Yesterday, Young Africans (Yanga) began their 2025/26 NBC Premier League campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Pamba Jiji at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Yanga’s goals came from Lassine Kouma, Maxi Nzengeli, and Mudathir Yahya, who was introduced in the second half.
In this match, Yanga coach Romain Folz made several changes to his lineup, handing starts to some new signings such as Mohammed Hussein ‘Zimbwe Jr’, Moussa Balla Conte, Kouma, Edmund John, and Celestin Ecua.
Folz emphasized the importance of squad rotation given the congested fixture schedule, as Yanga have played three matches in eight days and are preparing for a CAF Champions League clash on Saturday.
However, it appeared that the pressure of the occasion affected some of the new players, who performed below expectations.
Folz was forced to make early changes in the second half, bringing on Mamadou Doumbia and Aziz Andabwile to stabilize the midfield. Later, the introduction of Pacome Zouzoua, Prince Dube, and Mudathir Yahya added further attacking power.
It is clear that some of the new signings still need more time to adapt and secure their place in the starting lineup.
So far, Edmund John, Zimbwe Jr, Kouma, and Doumbia have shown the most promise among the fresh recruits.
