Young Africans complete defense of Ligi Kuu Bara title with Kariakoo Derby victory

For the fourth consecutive season, Young Africans are the champions of Tanzania’s Ligi Kuu Bara (NBC Premier League) following Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over eternal rivals Simba SC in a title-deciding Kariakoo Derby at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

A 67th minute penalty kick from Ivorian playmaker Pacôme Zouzoua began the celebrations for supporters of Yanga, who only needed to avoid defeat to extend their record title total to 26 trophies in the Tanzanian top flight.

Late on, Zouzoua’s perfect pass split the Simba defense and Clement Mzize was left 1v1 to finish past Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara in the 88th minute.

The derby was tightly contested with so much at stake after plenty of controversy in the lead up to the final match of the Ligi Kuu Bara campaign. After numerous protests against the date of the derby, Simba SC expressed their disgust with the timing by skipping the final media session before the decisive game.

In an unprecedented move, an Egyptian refereeing crew was also brought in to avoid any controversy with the officials.

But ultimately it was Yanga who prevailed courtesy of the individual brilliance of Zouzoua, who kept his calm on the all-important penalty kick before setting up Tanzanian national team starlet Mzize for his fourteenth goal of the season.

Yanga will now turn their attention to the Federation Cup when the Citizens face Singida Black Stars in the final on Saturday. If Yanga win, it will be the fourth consecutive campaign in which they have completed a domestic double of league and cup conquests.

Final League Table