Yanga edge Bandari in 'Siku ya Wananchi' clash

Reigning Tanzania Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga SC) marked their annual Siku ya Wananchi celebrations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over FKF Premier League side Bandari FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

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The annual event, now in its 90th edition, has become a colourful tradition for the Jangwani based outfit, blending football, fan engagement, entertainment, and the unveiling of new signings.

This year’s celebrations came just a day after rivals Simba SC hosted their own Simba Day festivities at the same venue, where they clashed with record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.

Yanga wasted no time in stamping authority on their special day, taking the lead barely two minutes into the contest in front of their charged fans.

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Burundian forward Ecua Celestine rose highest inside the box to thump home a powerful header past Bandari goalkeeper Allain Ngeleka, finishing off a swift counter-attack from a corner.

The early setback did little to dampen Bandari’s resolve. The Dockers grew into the game midway through the first half, with Beja Nyamawi and striker John Makwatta both testing Yanga’s shot-stopper Djigui Diarra, who remained alert to preserve his side’s advantage.

Yanga, however, reclaimed momentum in the third quarter of the match, orchestrating attacks through Prince Mpumelelo Dube, Lassine Kouma, and Celestine, but found Bandari’s backline resilient.

Ten minutes into the second half, the champions nearly doubled their tally when Chadrack Boka unleashed a ferocious strike from the left flank, only for Sharif Majabe to intervene with a timely clearance.

Bandari’s best chance came just before the half-hour mark when Harambee Stars winger Abdallah Hassan stood over a free-kick from 20 yards. The effort, however, lacked precision as it sailed over the bar, leaving the Kenyan side still trailing.

The second half remained competitive, with Bandari threatening through David Sakwa, whose quick-fire attempt missed the target, while Yanga introduced fresh legs in Duke Abuya,Andy Boyeli and Yahya Abbas to stretch the visitors’ defence.

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Despite sustained late pressure from both sides, Celestine’s early strike proved decisive, sealing a narrow win for Yanga before thousands of their jubilant fans.

Meanwhile, in another preseason friendly across Tanzania, KCB FC battled Fountain Gate FC for a draw in a six-goal thriller.

The Bankers twice came from behind, with new signing Kelvin Etemesi bagging a brace, while veteran midfielder Humphrey Mieno scored the other.