Africa-Press – Tanzania. YOUNG Africans’ unbeaten start to the season remains intact, but their recent run of consecutive draws is prompting the club to rethink their strategy.
The defending champions were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Mtibwa Sugar on Saturday, marking their third draw in just over a month.
Young Africans’ Media and Communications Manager, Ally Kamwe, acknowledged that the club is taking a hard look at the team’s performances.
“Our club management will look into re-evaluating the team performance and identifying the gaps where there is a challenge in our squad, especially in our first round of the league. We want to ensure we improve and finish this season with success,” Kamwe said.
Kamwe admitted that backto-back draws are unusual for the club and the missed opportunities are adding pressure.
“It has not been normal for the club to record consecutive draws. The number of draws has put increasing pressure on us, as we had a chance to widen the gap in points, but, as has happened before, we dropped points,” he explained.
Despite the disappointing result, Young Africans remain at the top of the league standings with 38 points from 16 matches, having recorded 12 wins and four draws.
The management will be hoping that a careful evaluation of recent performances will help the team convert draws into wins in the second half of the season.
Mtibwa Sugar, who held the league leaders, were pleased with their late equaliser.
Coach Awadhi Juma much-admired the Young Africans’ quality, noting the challenge posed by players like Pacôme Zouzoua and Mudathir Yahya.
“Young Africans were better than us; they have a stronger squad. We had a hard time with Pacome, especially in one-onone situations and Mudathir Yahya was excellent as a link-up player in midfield,” he said.
He added that while Young Africans dominated the first half, Mtibwa Sugar made tactical changes in the second half that allowed them to press forward and create opportunities.
Mtibwa’s Ismail Mhesa was the hero for the hosts, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time goal directly from a corner.
“That was the moment to make the impact. I did not expect it, and we celebrated. It was a surprise for me. I intended to assist my teammate, but luckily, I managed to score and help my side level the match,” Mhesa said.
