Harambee Stars midfielder Duke Abuya was handed a start as Tanzanian champions Yanga SC edged Azam 2-1 in a league match played at the Azam Sports Complex in Chamazi on Thursday evening.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsDubbed as the Dar es Salaam Derby, Abuya was tasked with the responsibility of anchoring the midfield in the absence of veteran Ugandan Khalid Aucho.Coach Miloud Hamdi had the option of filling Aucho’s shoes with seasoned Tanzanian midfielder Jonas Mkude, but the Algerian coach handed the role to Abuya, who was on the pitch up to the final whistle.##NAJAVA_MECA_8841756##The former Kenya Police FC man did not disappoint in what was his first Dar es Salaam Derby, as he dictated Yanga’s play in midfield with Mudathir Yahya and Maxi Nzengeli offering support.“It was a tough match, but our high tempo in the first half saw us settle and secure goals. It was my first time to face Azam since I arrived at Yanga, and I am happy we have won,” said the former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder in an interview with the club’s media.Yanga took the lead in the 12th minute through Pacome Zouzoua, with Zimbabwean forward Prince Dube doubling the advantage in the 34th minute.Kenyan coach targeting CAF qualification with Singida Black StarsDespite facing his former employers, Dube did not show class, and rightly so in the eyes of Yanga fans, as he celebrated his derby goal and his 12th strike of the season.Yanga enjoyed the comfortable lead for the better part of the game but had to deal with a nervy ending, as Azam pulled one back in the 81st minute through Lusajo Mwaikenda.The win saw Yanga go ten points clear of their closest challengers and eternal rivals Simba on the log.The lead could potentially be reduced to four points if the former champions win the two matches in hand.Why Harambee Stars trainer joined South Sudanese clubWhile Abuya had an afternoon to remember, his compatriots, David Ouma and Elvis Rupia, were on the receiving end of defeat as Singida Black Stars lost 2-1 to Coastal Union in another TPL clash hosted at Mkwakwani Stadium.Arthur Bada turned the ball into his own net, and Bakari Msimu scored the second for Coastal Union, coach Ouma’s former employer.Jonathan Sowah pulled one back for Singida in the 76th minute.
