THE reigning NBC Premier League champion, Young Africans SC, will aim to take another step towards defending the club’s crown when it entertains Kagera Sugar at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam this Wednesday evening.

The host, alias Yanga, has an eight-point lead at the top of the table with five matches left and will edge closer to the title with a win.

Yanga extended the club’s winning run in the league with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mashujaa FC at the Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma last Sunday.

Ivorian attacker Joseph Guede scored the all-important goal for the league leader in the first half.

With five games remaining, Miguel Gamondi's side will look to maintain or extend their healthy lead over their closest rivals Azam FC. The league leader needs three more wins to confirm a record-extending 30th league title.

The title holders return to home soil, looking to maintain their perfect home record, having won all 12 home league matches so far this campaign.

A record of 11 wins, one draw, and one defeat in 13 home games against today's opponents will leave them with a lot of confidence heading into this crucial game for their title defense.

Yanga has a full squad to choose from, as the squad has neither injuries nor suspensions reported at this time.

A front three of Stephane Aziz Ki, Kennedy Musonda, and Joseph Guede is expected to start once again.

Khalid Aucho, Mudathir Yahya, and Maxi Nzengeli are the midfield three that should provide support for the attack while also protecting the back four.

Kagera Sugar extended their unbeaten run to five games with a goalless draw away to Kinondoni Municipal Council FC at the same venue last Saturday.

Consequently, Fred Minziro's men maintained their seventh position on the table and are looking likely to secure a top-half finish this campaign.

With just two away wins in this campaign, Kagera Sugar will hope that it does not get worse when they face the best side in the league.

However, they could draw inspiration from their goalless draw when the two sides met in the reverse fixture played at Kaitaba Stadium in February as they look to have a say in the title race.

Obrey Chirwa is the man expected to lead the line once again for Kagera Sugar, while Mbaraka Yusuph and Moubarack Amza provide support.