Defending Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Yanga have made a dominant start to the new season, extending their unbeaten run in opening league matches to seven consecutive seasons following a convincing 3-1 victory over Namungo FC.
The match, played last Saturday at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa District, Lindi Region, saw Yanga produce an impressive performance and give their supporters plenty of optimism as they pursue a sixth consecutive league title.
The last time the Jangwani giants lost their opening Premier League match was in the 2019/20 season, when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ruvu Shooting, with Sadat Mohamed scoring the decisive goal.
Since then, Yanga have maintained a strong record in their opening league fixtures.
DR Congo defender Shadrack Boka has also entered the club’s record books after becoming the first player to score for Yanga this season.
Boka headed home from a corner to open the scoring. The goal means Yanga have now started the season with a headed goal from a corner for two consecutive seasons.
Last season, attacking midfielder Lassine Kouma, who holds dual Malian and Chadian nationality, achieved the same feat against Pamba Jiji at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in a 3-0 victory.
The result has also extended Yanga’s record of foreign players scoring their opening goal of the season for three consecutive years.
In the 2024/25 season, DR Congo international Maxi Nzengeli opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory over Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium in Bukoba.
The last Tanzanian-born player to score Yanga’s opening goal of the season was Dickson Job in the 2023/24 campaign, when Yanga thrashed KMC 5-0.
Nzengeli has also set a record of his own, having scored in Yanga’s opening match of the season for three consecutive campaigns.
With their opening fixture now complete, Yanga have turned their attention to their next match against Coastal Union, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, at KMC Complex.
