The defending champions in Tanzania’s top tier fell to their first defeat of the new league season on Wednesday and it was a familiar foe who caused discomfort for supporters of Young Africans. Ihefu Sports Club came away with a 2-1 home victory nearly a year after the club upset Yanga in league play last season. Young Africans fall behind the pace of fellow top clubs Simba SC and Azam FC following the result.
It appeared to be business as usual for The Citizens after snatching the lead in the fourth minute when Pacôme Zouzoua fired in from a cross by Clement Mzizé. However, Yanga failed to extend their lead from a strong start and the hosts clawed back with an equalizer before halftime after Yanga goalkeeper Djigui Diarra fumbled a shot from a free kick and Lenny Kisu stormed in to head in the rebound.
Charles Ilanfya scored the match winner for Ihefu in the 67th minute with a perfect finish into the top corner following a skilled team movement. It is Yanga’s first league defeat since falling to rivals Simba in April by a 2-0 score late last season with the title well secured. Before last November’s previous defeat to Ihefu the reigning champions had not lost a league match going back to a 1-0 loss to Azam FC in April 2021.
In the other matches from the middle of the week so far, Azam were held to a scoreless draw at Dodoma Jiji on Tuesday and Wednesday’s later match saw Kagera Sugar host Namungo for a 1-1 draw. Extended highlights from the defeat for Young Africans are below following the list of results.
Scores
Dodoma Jiji 0-0 Azam FC
Ihefu SC 2-1 Young Africans
Highlights
Ihefu SC 2-1 Young Africans
Dodoma Jiji 0-0 Azam FC
