Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi demonstrated his tactical quality in the match against Simba by successfully neutralising one of his opponents' biggest weapons: attacks from the wings.
Two of Simba's main attacking outlets are wingers Libasse Gueye and Anicet Oura. The pair have been key to Simba's attacking play, using their pace, ability to deliver crosses and tendency to cut inside from the flanks to disrupt opposing defences. But this time, Mngqithi was prepared.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach understood early on that if Gueye and Oura were allowed to play freely, Simba could gain a significant advantage. He therefore devised a specific plan to contain them, using Yao Kouassi and Chadrack Boka.
Yao was tasked with keeping his side secure, while Boka performed a similar role on the opposite flank. The two defenders also received significant support from central midfielders Maxi Nzengeli, Duke Abuya and Mudathir Yahya, who switched positions and helped close down spaces that opened up on the wings.
Yao Kouassi Was Everywhere
If there had been an award for the best player of the match, Yao Kouassi would certainly have been among the strongest contenders.
Yao's role was not limited to defensive duties. He made a significant contribution at both ends of the pitch, helping his team in defence as well as attack.
His ability to push forward and quickly recover his position made it difficult for Simba to exploit his side of the pitch. He was also fouled several times because of the way he carried the ball and looked for openings, highlighting how difficult he was for his opponents to contain.
Boka Kept Libasse Quiet
On the left side, Chadrack Boka had the specific task of stopping Libasse Gueye, and he carried it out with great efficiency.
Libasse, who has often been a major threat for Simba because of his pace and ability to operate from wide areas, struggled to get close to Yanga's goal. Boka stayed tight to him and ensured that no significant danger came from that side.
His performance also demonstrated why Yanga's management made the right decision to retain Boka after his previous contract expired.
Against Simba, he showed his value, and if he can remain fit and avoid injury problems, he could become one of the most important players in Yanga's squad this season.
Beyond his defensive duties, Boka also showed improvement in his attacking contribution, particularly when delivering crosses.
The match against Simba provided clear evidence of this, as Boka created the only goal of the game, scored by Albert Kangwanda in the 31st minute.
Overall, Manqoba Mngqithi appeared to have read Simba's game extremely well. He identified their biggest attacking weapon and put a plan in place to neutralise it from the outset.
