Defending champions Young Africans have dropped to fourth place in the Mainland First Division Premier League following victories by AZAM FC and newly promoted Mbeya City.
Azam beat Mgambo 2-0 at Chamazi Complex in Dar es Salaam to go second while Mbeya City thrashed Rhino Rangers 3-1 at Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium in Tabora to settle third. Azam and Mbeya have 14 points each from eight games but the former are ahead on goal difference.
Yanga, who face Kagera Sugar in Bukoba at the weekend, have 12 points and a game in hand. Simba lead the table on 15 points. Second half goals from Farid Malick and Kipre Tchetche in the 67th and 84th minute, ensured Stewart Hall's boys snatch the three crucial points at their home ground as they move to second in the league standings.
Malick broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when he connected home a fine cross from Kipre who had utilized well a long ball from defender Erasto Nyoni. The goal was the first for Malick since debuting in the premier league which kicked off on August 24 this year.
Ivorian international Kipre Tchetche struck Azam's second from a spot kick after Malick was brought down in the danger zone by Mgambo JKT defender Ramadhan Kambwili and referee Zakari Jacob from Coast Region pointed to the spot. In another premier league match at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha, Oljoro JKT failed to utilize the home ground advantage and drew 2-2 with Ruvu Shooting, who were leading 1-0 at the breather.
At Manungu, Turiani in Morogoro, Mtibwa Sugar outsmarted JKT Ruvu 2-1, with the victors' goals coming in the first half and Ruvu earning a consolation in the second half. Oljoro JKT with six points and Mgambo with five are second and third from the bottom, leaving Ashanti United at the bottom with only two points.
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