- Young Africans (Yanga) SC defeated Simba SC 2-0 on Wednesday, June 25, to win the 2024/25 Tanzania Premier League title at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
- Pacome Zouzoua opened the scoring with his first goal of the match, while substitute Clement Mzize sealed the victory with a decisive second, both goals coming in the second half.
- Yanga, who only needed a draw to clinch the championship, instead claimed all three points, securing their fourth consecutive league title and an impressive 31st in the club’s history.
Young Africans (Yanga) SC clinched the 2024/25 Tanzania Premier League title after a commanding 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Simba SC in a high-stakes Kariakoo Derby held on Wednesday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Pacome Zouzoua opened the scoring with his first goal of the match, and substitute Clement Mzize sealed the win with a decisive second, both strikes coming in the second half.
Yanga, who only needed a draw to secure the championship, instead walked away with all three points, securing their fourth consecutive league title and an impressive 31st overall in the club’s history.
The clash was a true title decider, with both sides entering the match separated by a single point.
Yanga led the table with 79 points, while Simba trailed closely with 78.
The opening half saw Yanga, under coach Miloud Hamdi, dominate possession and create several opportunities, yet they failed to convert clear-cut chances, often sending the ball off target despite numerous counterattacks.
Simba’s backline held firm, with goalkeeper Moussa Camara producing several key saves to keep the scoreline level.
Despite their dominance, Simba failed to register a truly threatening attack in the first 45 minutes, and the half concluded goalless, with both sides heading into the break evenly matched.
Yanga, however, had the better chances to break the deadlock.
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The second half began with renewed urgency from Yanga.
In the 47th minute, Maxi Nzengeli’s powerful shot tested Camara, who deflected the attempt for a corner.
Shortly after, Duke Abuya delivered a superb long ball to Mzize on the left wing.
Mzize controlled it well and delivered a pinpoint cross to Mudathir Yahya, whose close-range effort missed the target, as Yanga relentlessly pushed forward in search of the breakthrough.
Simba responded with two clear chances of their own: a fierce long-range effort from Elie Mpanzu and another strike from Jean Charles that sailed over the bar.
During this phase, Simba appeared more energized and began to threaten more seriously.
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The breakthrough finally came in the 62nd minute when Zouzoua was fouled inside the box by Camara, earning a penalty that he coolly converted to give Yanga the lead
Mzize, who had been wasteful earlier, redeemed himself later in the half by scoring a well-taken goal to double Yanga’s advantage.
His strike not only confirmed the result but also sealed a memorable win for the champions.
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Yanga SC vs Simba SC Kariakoo Derby Line ups
Yanga Starting XI
Djigui Diarra, Israel Mwenda, Chadrack Boka, Ibrahim Bacca, Dickson Job, Khalid Aucho, Maxi Nzengeli, Duke Abuya, Prince Dube, Mudathir Yahya, Pacome Zouzoua
Simba SC Starting XI
Moussa Camara, Shomary Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Che Malone Fondoh, Karaboue Chamou, Yusuph Kagoma, Joshua Mutale, Ngoma Fabrice, Steven Mukwala, Jean Charles Ahoua, Elie Mpanzu
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