Harambee Stars midfielder grabs assist as Yanga rally from behind to deny Simba
.jpeg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 04.05.26. | 08:23
The comeback was completed early in the second half when sustained pressure from Yanga paid off
Kenyan international Duke Abuya played a key role as Young Africans (Yanga) came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against rivals, Simba SC, in a thrilling Kariakoo Derby at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Simba made a flying start, and looked set for a statement win in the Premier League title race, after racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening ten minutes.
Libasse Gueye opened the scoring in the third minute from an assist by Clatous Chama before the latter doubled the advantage in the 10th minute with a stunning overhead finish, after combining with Elie Mpanzu.
Yanga responded in the 18th minute with Abuya at the heart of the move.
The Kenyan midfielder set up Prince Dube after Simba failed to clear their lines, a goal that shifted momentum and brought the champions back into the contest.
The comeback was completed early in the second half when sustained pressure from Yanga paid off.
Following a set piece, goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali spilled the ball, and captain Bakari Mwamnyeto reacted quickest to level the score at 2-2 in the 51st minute.
Both sides pushed for a winner in a high-tempo finish, but neither could find the breakthrough as the derby ended level.
Whole Abuys was in action for Yanga; Mohammed Bajaber did not feature for Simba in the match.
.jpg)
After the match, Yanga head coach Pedro Gonçalves admitted his side’s slow start nearly cost them.
“The first 15 minutes were a disaster. At this level, we cannot afford that kind of loss of concentration,” he said, pointing to the early mistakes that allowed Simba to take control.
Despite the setback, he praised his team’s response and resilience. “What I am very proud of is how the team stayed together, compact, focused, and committed,” he added.
Gonçalves also felt his side had done enough to win the match after taking control for large spells.
“In my opinion, we were overall much better than Simba. I believe we deserved to win the match, but this is football,” he said.
.jpg)
He further highlighted the importance of tactical decisions and squad management in shaping the outcome.
“We have to manage our players carefully and use them strategically. These decisions are important,” he explained, while also noting the impact of the playing surface. “On a better pitch, we could have created more chances.”
The result keeps Yanga five points clear at the top of the table with ten matches remaining, as Gonçalves called for focus heading into the decisive run-in.
“We remain strong, we stay focused, and now our attention turns to the next match.”
