Ugandan midfielder Allan Okello finally opened his scoring account for Young Africans (Yanga) after finding the back of the net in their comfortable 3-0 triumph over Singida Black Stars in the NBC Premier League on Thursday evening.
The talented playmaker had endured a frustrating start to life at the Tanzanian giants, going ten matches without a goal. However, he ended that dry spell in style, calmly converting from the penalty spot to help his side secure an emphatic away victory.
Yanga began the contest with intent and were rewarded in the 37th minute when in-form striker Prince Dube broke the deadlock. The forward produced a clinical finish that sent the travelling supporters into celebration and handed the visitors the early advantage.
Moments before halftime, Dube was brought down inside the penalty area after a dangerous attacking move. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, awarding Yanga a penalty.
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Rather than taking the kick himself, Dube entrusted the responsibility to Okello. The Ugandan international stepped up confidently and slotted the ball neatly into the bottom corner, doubling Yanga’s lead and marking his first goal in the club’s famous yellow and green colours.
Yanga maintained their dominance after the break and added a third goal ten minutes into the second half. Dube once again sparked the move with a thunderous long-range strike that forced the goalkeeper into a save, but Mudathir Yahya reacted quickest to the rebound and tapped home to make it 3-0.
The visitors continued to press for more goals and created several opportunities, though Singida’s defence managed to prevent further damage before the final whistle.
The result strengthens Young Africans’ grip at the summit of the NBC Premier League standings with 32 points from 12 matches. Meanwhile, Singida Black Stars remain ninth on the table with 19 points from the same number of games.
