As the Tanzania Mainland Premier League takes a break to make way for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals set to begin on December 21 this year in Morocco, defending champions Yanga have already shown clear intent to defend their title for a fifth consecutive season.
Yanga returned to training today after a one-week break, with the Citizens turning their focus to preparations for the Mapinduzi Cup, which is scheduled to kick off later this month in Zanzibar.
Early league statistics have already highlighted Yanga’s determination to maintain their dominance in domestic football.
Having played six matches, Yanga lead in several key areas: most goals scored so far, most consecutive wins, the only team to earn the most penalties, the highest number of home wins, and the fewest goals conceded.
Yanga have scored 12 goals, the highest tally in the league, a figure they share with JKT Tanzania.
However, Yanga have achieved this in just six matches, while JKT Tanzania, popularly known as “Maafande,” have already played 10 games.
Yanga also boast an impressive record of consecutive victories, having won four matches in a row. After being held to a goalless draw by Mbeya City on September 30 this year, Yanga went on to beat Mtibwa Sugar 2–0, thrashed KMC 4–1, defeated Fountain Gate 2–0, and edged Coastal Union of Tanga 1–0.
The champions are also the only team to have won the most penalties in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League so far, converting all of them.
They have been awarded two penalties out of the eight given by referees this season, and both were successfully converted. The first came on November 9 at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam against hosts KMC, with DR Congo striker Andy Boyeli scoring in a 4–1 victory.
The second penalty was awarded on December 4 at the same venue against Fountain Gate, converted by Prince Dube as Yanga secured a 2–0 win.
As if that were not enough, Yanga are also the only team with the most home victories this season, having won four matches at home—against Pamba Jiji (3–0), Mtibwa Sugar (2–0), KMC (4–1), and Fountain Gate (2–0).
The defending champions are also the team with the best defensive record, conceding just one goal so far. That lone goal came on November 9 in their 4–1 win over KMC.
On the league table, Yanga sit second with 16 points, level on points with Pamba Jiji, while JKT Tanzania lead the standings with 17 points.
