Stéphane Aziz Ki made an immediate impact on his return to Young Africans by providing an assist in their 2-0 victory over Fountain Gate in the Tanzanian Premier League.
The Burkinabé midfielder made his first start since rejoining the club on Matchday 5 and played a key part in helping Yanga secure three points.
Aziz Ki created the opening goal for Peter Shalulile after combining with the forward in a well-worked give-and-go. Shalulile finished the move to put Young Africans ahead.
The performance gave the 30-year-old an impressive start to his second spell with the Tanzanian club after returning earlier this month.
Young Africans went on to secure a 2-0 victory, strengthening their position near the top of the league table.
The result moved Yanga into second place in the Tanzanian Premier League with 12 points. They are three points behind leaders Simba but have played one match fewer.
Aziz Ki’s contribution came only weeks after his return to Young Africans.
The midfielder rejoined the club on 15 August after leaving Al Ittihad Tripoli. Young Africans confirmed that he had signed a two-year deal as he returned to the club where he had previously spent four seasons.
His return represents a homecoming for the Burkinabé player, who had established himself at Young Africans before moving to Libya.
Having now started against Fountain Gate, Aziz Ki immediately demonstrated his ability to influence matches in his second spell.
His assist for Shalulile’s opener was the highlight of his performance. The two players combined effectively before Shalulile completed the move and gave Young Africans the lead.
The midfielder was also involved in other attacking situations during the match.
According to SHAN Media Tanzania, Aziz Ki played 66 minutes on his first Tanzanian Premier League appearance since returning to Yanga. He registered three shots, with one striking the post, while also producing a backheel assist for Shalulile’s opening goal.
The statistics underline the attacking contribution he made during his time on the pitch despite not playing the full match.
Young Africans eventually added a second goal to complete a 2-0 victory and claim another important league result.
The win leaves Yanga in second position with 12 points from their opening matches. Leaders Simba have three more points, although Young Africans have a game in hand.
For Aziz Ki, the match provided an encouraging beginning to his return.
The midfielder had only recently completed his move back to Young Africans from Al Ittihad Tripoli, but he was able to make an immediate contribution when given his first league start.
His previous four-season spell at the club meant that the return was already familiar, but the performance against Fountain Gate offered an early indication of what he could provide during his second stint.
Young Africans will now take confidence from the victory as they continue their league campaign, while Aziz Ki will hope to build on his strong opening performance.
The 30-year-old’s assist was particularly significant because it helped unlock a match that Young Africans ultimately won comfortably by two goals.
With 12 points, Yanga remain within three points of Simba at the top of the table and have the advantage of having played one fewer match.
Aziz Ki’s return therefore began in ideal fashion, with the midfielder playing a direct role in the opening goal and helping his side secure a valuable three points.
After returning to Young Africans on a two-season agreement, the Burkinabé now has an early opportunity to re-establish himself as an important player for the Tanzanian club.
His first start has already produced an assist, three shots and a shot against the post, giving Yanga supporters plenty of encouragement following his return.
