2021 MAPINDUZI CUP: Arch-rivals Yanga, Simba SC storm final in Zanzibar

Vodacom Tanzania Premier League giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC have qualified for the final of the 2021 Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.

Yanga defeated Azam FC 5-4 during penalty kicks after the first semi-final match had ended 1-1 at the Amaan Stadium.
After a goalless first half, Tuisila Kisinda gave Yanga the lead after 51 minutes, but Obrey Chirwa levelled matters 17 minutes later.

Yanga who also lead the log in the Vodacom Tanzania Premier League were much clinical from the spot when they converted all their penalty kicks, while Azam FC failed to convert one.

“I am happy that we have made it to the final. It was not easy to break the Azam FC defence and remember this was a semi-final,” said Yanga’s head coach Cedric Kaze.

The second semi-final saw Simba over power Namungo SC 2-1. Rwandan International Meddie Kagere and Miraji Athumani gave Simba SC a 2-0 goal lead after 45 minutes as Namungo tried to fight back, but found an organized back row marshaled by Joash Onyango, Kennedy Juma, David Kameta and Gadiel Michael.

After recess Namungo SC returned strongly and defended well before they pulled one back through Steven Sey after 87 minutes.

Simba who have now scored seven goals and conceded two in the tournament will now face arch-rivals Yanga in the final on Wednesday.

The tournament organized to celebrate Zanzibar’s revolution attracted five teams from Tanzania Mainland and four from Zanzibar including the reigning Premier League champions Mlandege FC.