- Abuya named man of the match as Yanga beat Fountain Gate 2–0.
- Since the departure of midfield general Khalid Aucho, Abuya has stepped into the role with maturity and confidence.
Harambee Stars midfielder Duke Abuya delivered another commanding performance in Yanga colours as the Tanzanian champions defeated Fountain Gate 2–0 in a league match played at the KMC Complex on Thursday afternoon.
Abuya, who has quickly cemented his place in the heart of Yanga’s midfield, was deservedly named Man of the Match after orchestrating play from deep and driving his team to a third consecutive league win under coach Pedro Gonçalves.
Since the departure of midfield general Khalid Aucho, Abuya has stepped into the role with maturity and confidence.
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Yanga beat Fountain Gate
Against Fountain Gate, he was once again at the centre of everything for Yanga as he did well breaking up play, dictating the tempo and linking transitions with impressive calmness.
His influence was felt throughout the entire match, and his contribution was capped with a well-timed assist for Yanga’s second goal late in the game.
Yanga took the lead in the 29th minute from the penalty spot after Fountain Gate defender Pandu Shaaban handled the ball inside the box.
The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Prince Dube confidently converted to give the champions an early advantage. That goal settled Yanga, who continued to dominate possession while denying their visitors any real chances to threaten.
Fountain Gate, who have endured a difficult campaign this season, struggled to find any rhythm. Their attempts to push forward were repeatedly thwarted by Yanga’s organisation and the composure of Abuya, who controlled the midfield with authority.
The visitors’ problems already visible in their tally of just three wins from ten matches, were once again exposed as they found it difficult to cope with Yanga’s fluid movement.
The second half saw Yanga maintain control while patiently waiting for the right moment to seal the result.
It finally arrived in the 82nd minute when substitute Pacome Zouazoa finished off a well-constructed move.
The build-up began with Abuya, who spotted the forward’s run and threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the Fountain Gate defence. Zouazoa made no mistake, calmly slotting home to secure the 2–0 victory.
The win keeps Yanga on 13 points from five matches, boasting a record of four wins and one draw, maintaining a 100% record under Gonçalves in the matches they have played since his arrival.
Despite playing fewer games than some of their rivals, Yanga sit third and remain in a strong position to climb further once they complete their outstanding fixtures.
Fountain Gate, meanwhile, continue to search for consistency, having now conceded 12 goals and scored only four in ten matches. Their season remains a difficult one, and Thursday’s defeat only added to the pressure surrounding the team.
Duke Abuya named man of the match
Speaking after receiving his Man of the Match award, Abuya expressed gratitude.
“Thank you so much to the fans and for the Man of the Match award. I pray that we remain consistent and continue winning,” the former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder said.
With the champions showing renewed sharpness and Abuya growing into one of their most influential figures, Yanga will head into their upcoming fixtures with confidence and the determination expected of a team chasing another league title.