Tanzania’s Yanga edge Bandari with early goal to win 'Siku ya Wananchi' clash
Gor Mahia were beaten 2-0 by Simba SC in a high-profile Simba Day fixture on Thursday, while Bandari’s loss capped Yanga’s 90th anniversary party in style.
FKF Premier League side Bandari FC fell 1-0 to Tanzanian champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) in a friendly clash staged on Friday night at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, marking the hosts’ annual Siku ya Wananchi (Citizens’ Day) celebrations.
The decisive goal came just two minutes in when Burundian forward Ecua Celestine rose highest to head past Bandari goalkeeper Allain Ngeleka after a swift counter-attack from a corner.
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Despite the early setback, Bandari grew into the game with Beja Nyamawi and John Makwatta forcing saves from Yanga’s Djigui Diarra, while the hosts remained threatening through Prince Dube, Lassine Kouma, and Celestine.
Yanga nearly doubled their advantage just before the interval, only for Sharif Majabe to clear Chadrack Boka’s ferocious strike off the line.
After the break, Harambee Stars attacker David Sakwa troubled the Tanzanian defence with his pace but failed to convert his chances. The game also saw Yanga introduce Kenyan international Duke Abuya in the second half, much to the delight of the home fans.
The defeat continued a tough run for Kenyan clubs visiting Tanzania this week.
Gor Mahia were beaten 2-0 by Simba SC in a high-profile Simba Day fixture on Thursday, while Bandari’s loss capped Yanga’s 90th anniversary party in style.
Only KCB FC escaped defeat, battling to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Fountain Gate FC earlier on Friday, with Kevin Etemesi scoring twice and Humphrey Mieno also on target. Fountain Gate were coached by Robert 'The Lion' Matano, the current KCB head coach.
Bandari had arrived in Dar es Salaam with hopes of salvaging Kenyan pride after Gor’s setback, but the Dockers could not silence the roaring Benjamin Mkapa crowd on a day Yanga turned their carnival into another showcase of Tanzanian dominance.
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