YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they face KMC FC today in their Premier League encounter at the KMC Complex.

The match, which marks Young Africans’ 19th fixture of the season, is set to kick off at 4:15 PM EAT.

Young Africans heads into this clash following a frustrating 0-0 draw against JKT Tanzania, a result that left fans disappointed. 

The game also marked the debut of the club’s new head coach, Miloud Hamdi (pictured), who will now be leading his side for the second time as he searches for his first victory in charge.

Speaking ahead of the match, Hamdi expressed his determination to guide Young Africans to all three points and acknowledged the expectations from the club’s supporters.

“In our previous match, we got an unsatisfactory result against JKT Tanzania, and we want to change that in this game against KMC FC,” said Hamdi.

He admitted that his debut match did not go as planned but remains optimistic about turning things around.

“The match against JKT Tanzania was my first with Young Africans. As a new coach, I would have loved to start with a win, but unfortunately, we drew. However, we are mentally prepared to ensure we secure a victory this time and avoid disappointing our fans,” Hamdi added.

Hamdi acknowledged the high expectations surrounding Young Africans and reassured the fans of the team’s commitment to success.

“I understand the frustration of the fans because we are a big club, and they expect us to win every game. Believe me, as coaches and players, we also want to win every match. Tomorrow, we will give our best to secure three points because we need them," he stated.

The Algerian coach also urged Young Africans supporters to remain patient, emphasizing that the team is working hard to achieve its ultimate goal.

“I want to assure Yanga fans that we are fighting and working hard for them. The players know what is expected of them, not just for this match but for the rest of the season. We are here to win trophies, not just to do a job. 

“The fans should not lose hope over one draw we still have many games to play. Anything is possible, and we still have time. However, we must do everything possible to win matches and bring joy to our fans because they are always with us, and we are with them,” he concluded.

Young Africans, currently second in the Premier League standings, needs a victory against KMC FC to climb to the top with 49 points before their title rivals play their next fixture against Namungo FC on February 19.

After this match, Young Africans will shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, starting with Singida Black Stars on February 17, an away clash against Mashujaa FC on February 23, another away game against Pamba Jiji FC on February 28, before the much-anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby against Simba SC on March 8.

Young Africans have played 18 matches so far, winning 15, drawing once, and losing twice. The team has scored 42 goals while conceding only seven, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive stability.

The club’s forwards have been in fine form this season, with Clement Mzize leading the scoring charts with nine goals, while Prince Dube and Pacome Zouzoua have each netted seven goals.

KMC FC currently sit seventh in the league standings with 22 points. In their last five matches, they have won twice, lost twice, and drawn once. One of their most notable results came in a stunning 2-0 victory over Singida Black Stars, a team currently in the top four.

Despite being underdogs against Young Africans, KMC have proven they can cause upsets and will be looking to frustrate the reigning champions.

Young Africans will be fully focused on securing a crucial victory to regain control of the title race, while KMC will aim to make life difficult for the defending champions.