Ally Kamwe remains confident despite Yanga’s first NBC Premier League defeat

Young Africans SC Communications and Information Manager Ally Kamwe has insisted the club remains fully focused on defending the NBC Premier League title despite suffering their first defeat of the season in a dramatic 3-2 loss against Dodoma Jiji FC at Airtel Stadium in Singida.

The result ended Yanga’s long unbeaten run in the league and reopened the title race, with rivals Simba SC now given an opportunity to reduce the gap at the top of the standings.

Speaking after the match, Kamwe described the defeat as one of football’s painful moments, admitting it was a difficult day for the players, supporters and the entire Yanga camp.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Young Africans Sports Club (@yangasc)

“We have had a very bad day today for our fans, for our players, and for the entire team that travelled here. Looking at the way the match was played and then seeing the result ending 3-2 against us, it is difficult to believe because we played very well and created many chances, but luck was not on our side,” said Kamwe.

Yanga made a dream start to the match after midfielder Allan Okello opened the scoring in the first minute, finishing off a well-delivered cross from Kouassi Yao.

However, Dodoma Jiji responded strongly and levelled matters in the 28th minute after Yanga captain Bakari Mwamnyeto accidentally turned Edgar William’s dangerous cross into his own net.

Okello restored Yanga’s lead in the 40th minute with his second goal of the night, continuing his impressive form after recently being named NBC Premier League Player of the Month for March.

Despite taking a 2-1 lead into halftime, Yanga were forced into an early setback when first-choice goalkeeper Djigui Diarra suffered an injury and was replaced by Hussein Masalanga.

In the second half, Dodoma Jiji changed their tactical approach and began putting Yanga under heavy pressure, while the visitors wasted several opportunities to kill off the game.

Kamwe admitted the missed chances proved costly. “This was simply one of those bad days in football. In my view, we missed around six clear chances in today’s game that could have helped us secure a positive result. Unfortunately, every mistake we made was punished by our opponents, who used their opportunities very well,” he explained.

YANGA PAY PRICE FOR MISSED CHANCES AS DODOMA JIJI REVIVE TITLE RACE

Yanga’s failure to convert their chances eventually came back to haunt them as Dodoma Jiji equalised in the 89th minute through Mwana Kibuta before substitute Waziri Junior completed a stunning comeback deep into stoppage time to secure a memorable 3-2 victory.

Despite the disappointing result, Kamwe remained confident that Yanga still have what it takes to defend the title.

“We congratulate Dodoma Jiji for the victory, but this result will not stop us from continuing our fight to defend the league title. We believe in the quality of our team, we have good players, and we remain well prepared for the matches ahead,” he said.

The defeat leaves Yanga top of the table with 54 points from 23 matches, while Simba, who have 49 points from 22 games, can reduce the gap to just two points with victory over Mashujaa FC.