Israel Saria
Themi Felix’s 67th minute goal was enough to hand Kagame Cup holders Young Africans their second defeat of the season during the first leg match of the Mainland premiership played at the Kaitaba Stadium here yesterday.
Felix who was a substitute replacing Darlington Enyinna in the second half released a power-packed shot that sailed past Yanga’s first choice custodian Ghanaian Yaw Berko to ignite wild celebrations on the stands at a packed Kaitaba Stadium.
The scorer capitalised on a defensive mix up between Yanga defending duo of Stephano Mwasika and Mbuyu Twite to release the killer blockbuster.
The teams progressed into the dressing rooms with scoreboard reading 0-0 after a series of attacks either side.
The hosts looked determined and confident right from the kick off as they were boosted by fans on the terraces.
Yanga fought gallantly during the second half to search for an elusive equaliser much to the disappointment of their fans and new Dutch coach Ernest Brandt’s
This is Yanga’s second defeat after conceding the first on September 19 when they visited Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro where Mtibwa Sugar triumphed by 3-0 goals.
While the first defeat was conceded under Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet who was later fired, this one has been at the hands of Brandts.
The result has significantly boosted Kagera Sugar who were positioned at the middle table 9 eighth position) to claim third spot with ten points, three behind second placed Azam and six adrift of leaders Simba.
Yanga have dropped by one position to stay seventh in tie with Mtibwa Sugar on eight points though the Morogioro side has one match in hand.
The defeat has sent some powerful shockwaves to Yanga fans and officials and it’s high time they need composure ahead of Thursday’s match against Toto Africa in Mwanza.
Yanga lost all the return legs in Mwanza and Bukoba to lose title retention grip during the previous season.
The victory has changed the mood of hosts Kagera Sugar who have posted their third after wobbly start of the season when they lost at home to visiting Azam FC on September 15.
The sixth round of the Mainland premiership continues mid this week with Yanga visiting Toto Africa in Mwanza and Kagera Sugar at home to JKT Ruvu.
Yanga are eight points adrift of leaders, title holders and archrivals Simba who are enjoying a three-point lead over Azam FC who have a game in hand after six rounds of play.
Yanga:
Yaw Berko, Juma Abdul, Stephano Mwasika/ Nurdin bakari, Nadir Haroub, Mbuyu Twite, Athuman Idd, Nizar Khalfan/ShamteAli, Frank Domayo, Didier Kavumbagu, Saidi Bahanuzi/ Jerry Tegete and Haruna Niyonzima,
Coach: Ernest Brandts
Kagera Sugar:
Anderw Ntala, Jumanne Nade, Salum Kanoni, Amandus Nesta, Benjamim Effe, Maregesi Mwangwa, Daudi Jumanne, George Kavilla Darington Enyinna/ Themi Felix, Shija Mkina and Wilfred Emmeh/Paul Ngwai.
Coach: Abdallah Kibaden
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