2021 Mapinduzi Cup enters semi-final stage in Zanzibar

Giants Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga) will be part of the teams tussling it out when the 2021 Mapinduzi Cup enters the semi-final stage today in Zanzibar.

The tournament organized by the government of Zanzibar will see Yanga line-up against Azam FC in the first semi-final, before Simba SC take on Namungo SC, all at the Amaan Stadium.

Cedric Kaze, the Yanga coach has made it clear that they will go all out to play well and get to the final. “Our target is to win the trophy. We need to be cautious because it is now the knock out time,” added Kaze.

Since his arrival about two months ago Kaze has guided Yanga to top of the 2020/2021 Vodacom Tanzania Premier League. To reach the semi-final in the Mapinduzi Cup Yanga drew goalless against Jamhuri FC, before defeating Namungo SC by a lone goal.

For Azam FC they needed a 1-0 win on Sunday against Zanzibar’s Malindi FC to seal their place. The Ice Cream makers started the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Zanzibar Premier League reigning champions Mlandege FC.
The second semi-final clash between Simba SC and Namungo SC promises to be a thriller.

Simba’s care taker coach and former Tanzanian international Suleiman Matola has made it clear they are in Zanzibar to win the Cup. “We have won all our two games and want to continue with the winning attitude through to the final,” added Matola.

Simba beat Chipukuzi 3-1 and completed the group stage with a 2-0 victory against the 2020 Mapinduzi Cup winners Mtibwa Sugar FC. For Namungo SC they started the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Yanga, before stopping Jamhuri 2-0 in the last Group A match.

After the semi-finals today, the teams will have a rest day on Tuesday, before the final is played on Wednesday. The tournament that kicked off on January 5th attracted four teams from Zanzibar and five from Tanzania mainland.

Collected results

Mtibwa 1 Chipukuzi 0
Yanga 0 Jamhuri FC 0
Malindi FC 0 Mlandege 0
Simba SC 3 Chipukuzi 1
Azam FC 1 Mlandege 1
Yanga 1 Namungo 0
Jamhuri 0 Namungo SC 2
Simba SC 2 Mtibwa 0
Azam FC 1 Malindi 0