Seth Mapoli
May 13, 2026Dodoma Jiji stun Yanga SC to reopen NBC Premier League title race
Photo: Young Africans SC
Dodoma Jiji stun Yanga SC to reopen NBC Premier League title race
League leaders Young Africans SC (Yanga) suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to Dodoma Jiji FC in an entertaining NBC Premier League clash played at Airtel Stadium in Singida, a result that has reignited the title race this season.
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The defeat marked the leaders’ first league loss of the campaign and handed a major boost to rivals Simba SC, who now have a chance to reduce the gap at the top of the table.
The match exploded into life just one minute after kickoff when Yanga midfielder Allan Okello connected perfectly with a cross from full-back Kouassi Yao to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.
Despite the early setback, Dodoma Jiji gradually settled into the game and found an equaliser in the 28th minute through an own goal by Yanga captain Bakari Mwamnyeto. The defender accidentally turned a dangerous cross from Dodoma attacker Edgar William into his own net while attempting to clear the ball.
Yanga restored their lead five minutes before halftime through the in-form Okello, who scored his second goal of the evening to make it 2-1. The strike was also his seventh goal of the NBC Premier League season.
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It was a memorable day for the Ugandan midfielder, who had earlier been officially named the league’s Player of the Month for March after registering one goal and six assists in just three matches, playing a total of 320 minutes.
Before the first half ended, Yanga were forced into a setback after goalkeeper Djigui Diarra suffered an injury and was replaced by Hussein Masalanga in added time.
Dodoma Jiji returned for the second half with renewed energy and a different tactical approach, putting Yanga under sustained pressure.
In the 63rd minute, Yanga interim coach Abdi Hamid Moallin made changes by introducing Mohamed Camara for Mudathir Yahya, while Dodoma Jiji coach Amani Josiah responded with tactical substitutions of his own, bringing on Dickson Ambundo and later Waziri Junior, moves that would eventually change the game.
Yanga had opportunities to extend their lead but failed to capitalise. In the 70th minute, striker Prince Dube missed a clear one-on-one chance after being set up by Okello.
The missed opportunity proved costly as Dodoma Jiji equalised dramatically in the 89th minute through Mwana Kibuta, who fired home directly from the left side after receiving a pass from Gadiel Michael to make it 2-2.
Deep into stoppage time, Waziri Junior completed a remarkable comeback. With Yanga pushing forward in search of a winner, Dodoma launched a quick counterattack. Waziri sprinted past Kouassi Yao before calmly beating goalkeeper Masalanga to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The result leaves the reigning champions at the top of the standings with 54 points from 23 matches, having recorded 16 wins, six draws and one defeat.
Title race back on after Yanga stumble
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Second-placed Simba SC, who have 49 points from 22 matches, now have an opportunity to close the gap to just two points if they defeat Mashujaa FC in their upcoming fixture, leaving the title race wide open heading into the final stages of the season.
