Moallin promises dominance as Yanga face Coastal Union in crucial NBC Premier League clash

Defending champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) will be aiming to strengthen their title defense when they host Coastal Union FC in an important NBC Premier League fixture tomorrow evening at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:15 East African Time, with Yanga entering the contest under pressure to maintain their unbeaten run and keep control of the title race.

The two sides last met in the first round of the league campaign, where Yanga secured a narrow 1-0 victory. Interestingly, the defending champions have won each of their last five league matches by the same 1-0 scoreline, highlighting both their consistency and defensive discipline.

Yanga currently sit comfortably near the top of the table with 51 points from 21 matches after recording 15 wins and six draws without suffering a defeat this season. Coastal Union, meanwhile, are fighting to avoid relegation. The Tanga-based side are placed 12th with 22 points from 21 matches, having won five games, drawn seven and lost nine.

With teams below them level on points, Coastal Union desperately need a positive result to move away from the relegation zone.

Ahead of the clash, Yanga’s interim head coach Abdi Hamid Moallin said preparations had gone smoothly and insisted his players understand the expectations from the club’s supporters.

“Our preparations for the Coastal Union match have gone well. Every player is ready and focused for the game,” Moallin said.

“I believe in our players and I know they will give everything for the team. The truth is the players understand what the fans want from them. Every player must put his full concentration on tomorrow’s game.”

The coach, who recently took charge following the departure of former coach Pedro Goncalves, promised supporters an entertaining performance built around Yanga’s attacking philosophy.

“One thing I can promise Yanga fans is a good game. As Yanga, we have our own style of football. Our foundation is to dominate possession,” he explained.

“We respect Coastal Union, but we cannot abandon our football culture. We want to control the match not for a few minutes, but for all 90 minutes. Every player must give everything to ensure we dominate the game.”

Despite his confidence, Moallin warned against underestimating Coastal Union.

“To be honest, Coastal Union are a good team. We respect them the same way we respect every opponent. Our players understand clearly that this will not be an easy match,” he added.

Coastal Union head coach Fikiri Elias also confirmed his side had prepared thoroughly for the encounter, revealing that his technical bench had worked on correcting weaknesses from previous matches while improving both defense and attack ahead of facing the reigning champions.

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