2021 MAPINDUZI CUP: Defending champions Mtibwa win, Yanga held

Defending champions Mtibwa Sugar kicked off the 2021 Mapinduzi Cup with a slim 1-0 win over Chipukuzi FC in a Group B game played at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday.

The Vodacom Tanzania Premier League side came all out to attack in numbers, but found a determined Chipukuzi side that defended in numbers.

After a goalless first the defending champions returned determined and scored through Ibrahim Hilika after 58 minutes. Massoud Ali Mohammed also had a chance to level matters for Chipukuzi, but fired out from close range later in the second half.

“I am happy that we managed to get a win in our opening match. We shall keep improving in every game,” said Mtibwa’s assistant coach Vincent Barnabas.

In the second game played Vodacom Tanzania Premier League side Young Africans SC (Yanga) were held to a goalless draw by local side Jamhuri FC. Nassir Talib, the Jamhuri FC goalkeeper was in excellent form as he stopped several shots to make sure his team picked a point.

Cedric Kaze, the Young Africans coach said he was unhappy with the way his players played against Jamhuri. “We did not do enough to be able to get maximum points. But we shall keep working hard ahead of other games in the tournament,” he added.

On Wednesday Zanzibar Premier League sides Malindi FC and Mlandege SC will battle in a Group C match. The Group B match between Simba SC and Chipukuzi that was slated for Thursday has been rescheduled.

Group A: Yanga, Namungo, Jamhuri
Group B: Simba, Mtibwa Sugar, Chipukuzi
Group C: Azam, Malindi, Mlandege