Yanga chase 7-point lead at the top as Coastal Union battle poor form

By Michael Mwebe , The Guardian
Published at 06:19 PM Apr 07 2025
Hamdi Miloud
Photo: File
Hamdi Miloud

YOUNG Africans (Yanga) will continue their relentless pursuit of a fourth consecutive Mainland Premier League title as they host Coastal Union this afternoon at the KMC Mwenge Complex.

The defending champions are poised to widen their lead at the top of the table to seven points, taking advantage of second-placed Simba’s two games in hand due to their commitments in continental competitions.

Under the stewardship of Coach Hamdi Miloud (pictured), Young Africans have been in scintillating form, boasting an impressive 13-match unbeaten streak. 

This run includes five consecutive victories in their most recent outings, showcasing their dominance in Tanzanian football in the last three years.

In their last seven matches alone, Young Africans have netted an astonishing 25 goals - an average of 3.6 goals per game - while conceding just three, a testament to their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

Coastal Union, on the other hand, face a daunting challenge. Last season, the team finished fourth with 43 points and earned a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. 

However, this campaign has been a stark contrast, with their ambitions shifting from chasing top honours to battling relegation.

Currently languishing in 12th place after 24 matches, Coastal have secured only five wins, drawn 10, and lost nine, scoring a modest 19 goals while conceding 25. 

Their struggles were evident in a recent 2-1 defeat to Kagera Sugar, a result that highlighted their inconsistency.

Wagosi wa Kaya have been plagued by a lack of cutting edge in attack. Their last win came back on February 7, 2025, in a 2-1 victory over JKT Tanzania.

Since then, their results have been uninspiring: 0-0 draws against Mashujaa, Namungo, and Dodoma Jiji, a 2-0 loss to Pamba Jiji, a 3-0 thrashing by Simba, a goalless stalemate with Azam and a 2-1 defeat to Kagera Sugar.

For Coastal Union, conceding an average of one goal per game while failing to penetrate opposition defenses has left them vulnerable. 

Facing a rampant Young Africans side, they will need a monumental effort to avoid another damaging defeat and keep their survival hopes alive in the Mainland Premier League.

The management has reacted to the team's recent poor performance by dismissing head coach Juma Mwambusi, aiming to stabilize the squad as the league approaches its final stages.