Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has said that midfielder Duke Abuya’s injury played a major role in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Simba in the NBC Premier League, as Yanga were overpowered in midfield.
Abuya sustained the injury early in the first half after being fouled by Simba winger Libasse Gueye.
Speaking after the match, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Yanga, Mngqithi said his team lost control of midfield after Abuya was forced off.
"Ngoma is a good player and he helped us, but I must admit that Abuya is different. Our plan was disrupted after he got injured."
"He is a player who fights hard throughout the game, is always ready to give 100 per cent, and has great quality in duels for possession," Mngqithi said.
The coach also explained his decision to substitute Mudathir, saying the change was necessary because the player was tired.
The defeat has dropped Yanga to second place in the league standings, while their rivals Simba have climbed to the top after reaching 21 points.
