Yanga SC lost ground on Tanzania Mainland leaders Simba SC after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Mbeya City.
Simba SC and Azam FC had won their early games and the 27-time champions had to win their late kick-off to stay closer to the top two sides.
Playing at home, in front of the fans was an added advantage to the Luc Eymael-led charges.
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Having conceded 27 goals in the previous 20 matches and scoring just 14 times, the relegation-threatened Mbeya seemingly had no chance against their hosts.