YOUNG Africans (Yanga) head coach Hamdi Miloud expressed satisfaction with his side’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Coastal Union in their Mainland Premier League clash but cautioned his forwards over wastefulness in front of goal.

“I am happy with this win. It was a very tough match - Coastal Union is a good side - and we got three points, which are very important for our Premier League title challenge,” said Miloud (pictured) after the match at KMC Mwenge Complex on Monday.

However, despite the victory, the Algerian tactician was not entirely pleased with the performance in front of goal. “I love seeing players being clinical, but our strikers missed a lot of chances - six that could have been goals today. It might be fine for fans since the team is winning, but tactically, we need to improve. Missing chances like this can be costly. All in all, we will prepare for the next challenge,” he added.

Young Africans’ lone goal came in the 34th minute courtesy of Ivorian midfielder Pacome Zouzoua, who rose high to nod home a precise cross from Congolese winger Maxi Nzengeli.  The goal not only secured three vital points but also marked a personal milestone for Pacome - his eighth league goal of the season, surpassing his tally from last term.

With that contribution, Zouzoua has now been directly involved in 16 goals this season, having also provided eight assists. He trails strikers Prince Dube and Clement Mzize, both of whom have 11 goals each in the league.

The narrow win sees Young Africans extend their points tally to 64 from 24 matches, maintaining their lead at the top of the standings.  Closest rivals Simba SC sit second with 57 points and two games in hand - keeping the title race wide open.

Coastal Union showed commendable resilience in the opening half hour, pressing high and defending compactly to frustrate Young Africans’ attacking efforts.  Their resistance, however, was eventually broken when Nzengeli delivered a dangerous cross that Zouzoua converted with a clinical header, giving goalkeeper Fales Gama no chance.

Despite the victory, Young Africans suffered a setback as midfield general Khalid Aucho was forced off in the 45th minute due to injury.  Aucho had only just returned from a knock sustained on international duty and had missed the previous game against Tabora United. He was replaced by Mudathir Yahya.

In the second half, Young Africans pressed for a second goal to seal the match but lacked composure in the final third. Coastal Union, meanwhile, pushed for an equalizer but were unable to breach Young Africans’ solid backline, marshalled by Bakari Mwamnyeto and the ever-reliable Dickson Job.

With this result, Young Africans complete a league double over Coastal Union this season - both wins ending 1-0. The defeat leaves Coastal Union in a precarious position. The Tanga-based side sits 13th on the table with 25 points from 25 matches. 

With just five games remaining, they are at risk of slipping into the relegation playoff zone unless they reverse their fortunes quickly.