TZW
It will be an opportunity for the Jangwani-based side to reach 46 points from 21 matches similar to their traditional rivals Simba who have one game in hand against Njombe Mji after the fixture reschedule to pave the way for the team’s preparation for the return CAF Confederation Cup tie against Al Masry to be staged this weekend at Port Said Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
However, if Yanga manage to register positive results today, the top post on the league summit will be decided on the superior goal difference. The champions recorded a massive 3-0 win last Friday over Kagera Sugar at the National Stadium to move inches closer to catching up the current leaders, Simba who missed a glorious opportunity to climb further on the summit after being held to a 3-3 draw by Stand United at the National Stadium recently.
The return of skipper Thabani Kamusoko was a catalyst towards Yanga’s victory on the day as he revived the missed chemistry at the centre of the pitch between him and Democratic Republic of Congo’s midfielder Papy Tshishimbi. All the three goals came in the last half of the thrilling encounter courtesy of skilfull attacker Ibrahim Ajib who opened up the score sheet for Emmanuel Martin and an own goal by United’s defender Juma Shemvuni which led Yanga to grab the crucial three points from the home turf.
Today match will also serve as the last build up for George Lwandamina’s side before leaving for Gaborone, Botswana tomorrow to face Township Rollers in the CAF Champions League, first round, and return leg match on the weekend. Meanwhile, Alexander Sanga reports in Shinyanga that Stand United Assistant Coach, Athuman Bilal has declared an all out war to Yanga ahead of their today match at the National stadium. Speaking about his team preparations, Bilal said his players are well drilled tactically and psychologically for the match.
The former Toto Africans and Mwanza veteran coach said he was confident to win the match because his team’s performance has been improving daily. In their last four premier league matches, Stand United have won one match against Singida United at Namfua Stadium in Singida, they drew three matches against Simba SC 3-3 at the National stadium, held 0-0 against Mbeya City at Sokoine Memorial Stadium in Mbeya and a goalless draw against Tanzania Prisons at CCM Kambarage.
The Coach has called upon the team’s supporters in Shinyanga region to unite and continue supporting their team in their today match and all others until the end of the season. Commenting about his players’ conditions, Bilal said Bigirimana Gift has now recovered from leg injury and he will play in today tie. Bigirimana picked injury during their 3-3 draw against Simba SC at the National Stadium.
Stand United are now placed tenth in the ongoing premier league standing. They have won five, drawn seven and lost nine matches. They have netted eleven and conceded twenty two goals.
After their match against Yanga, Stand United will return to Shinyanga to play three home matches against Njombe Mji FC, Majimaji FC and Mwadui FC. Meanwhile, the former national team player, Mrisho Ngasa was an instrumental in his team’s barren draw with Singida United at Namfua Stadium yesterday.
In Mbeya, Tanzania Prisons beat Mtibwa Sugar 2-1 at Sokoine Stadium while Ruvu Shooting and Mbeya City tied 2-2 in Mlandizi, Kibaha while Majimaji and Lipuli also shared spoils in their barren draw encounter in Songea.