DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Mashujaa in their first match since the departure of head coach Manqoba Mngqithi in the Mainland Premier League at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Yanga had gone two matches without a win, collecting just one point from a possible six and dropping five points following a 2-1 defeat to Simba and a goalless draw against TRA United.

However, the victory over Mashujaa marked a return to winning ways for the defending champions. The victory took Yanga to 22 points from nine matches, two points behind league leaders Simba, who have played eight games.

Mashujaa, meanwhile, remain eighth with 12 points from nine matches. The defeat was another disappointment for Mashujaa, who have now lost all seven of their meetings with Young Africans.

For a moment, they appeared poised to rewrite that record after taking the lead, but Yanga fought back to secure victory and maintain their dominance over the Kigoma-based side.

Mashujaa made a dream start, taking the lead in the eighth minute after putting the Young Africans defence under pressure. Haruni Chanongo set up Crispin Ngushi, whose low drive struck the bottom-left post before finding the back of the net, leaving Young Africans goalkeeper Djigui Diarra beaten.

Young Africans responded just two minutes later. Ibrahimu Kazimoto delivered a low cross into the box for Peter Shalulile, whose touch took the ball past Mashujaa goalkeeper Musa Malika.

However, Mashujaa’s defenders reacted quickly to clear the danger off the line. Young Africans continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 21st minute.

Stephen Aziz Ki picked out Shalulile, who made no mistake with his finish to bring Young Africans level. The first half ended 1-1, despite Young Africans creating more chances.

Yanga registered nine attempts, four of which were on target, while Mashujaa managed just one attempt and converted it into a goal. The opening 45 minutes were fiercely contested, with physical challenges throughout.

Young Africans committed four fouls, while Mashujaa were penalised eight times and received three yellow cards. The intensity increased after the restart, with Mashujaa showing little urgency as Young Africans stepped up the pressure in search of a second goal.

The pressure nearly paid off in the 75th minute when Stephen Aziz Ki’s free-kick beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the crossbar.

Yanga finally got their reward two minutes later. Housseine Zakouani delivered a wellweighted pass into the box for Clement Mzize, who kept his composure to fire a low shot past Mashujaa goalkeeper Musa Malika and give Young Africans a 2-1 lead.

The intensity remained high, with four more yellow cards shown as tempers continued to flare. Young Africans received one booking, while Mashujaa picked up three more, taking their tally to six yellow cards.