Mapinduzi Cup 2020: Mtibwa Sugar FC stop giants Simba SC in final

Awadh Salum’s goal after 39 minutes was enough to ensure Mtibwa Sugar FC defeated giants Simba SC in the final of the 2020 Mapinduzi Cup. Played in-front of a capacity crowd at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Monday night, Mtibwa Sugar FC dominated play from the start to create better scoring opportunities than Simba SC who looked slow.

Mtibwa Sugar capitalized on quick movement and inter passing with a well coordinated defending line. Salum’s goal came after some clever interplay before he beat the slow Simba SC defenders and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Benno Kakolanya.

Simba SC tried to fight back but failed to break the Mtibwa Sugar defending line.

In the second half Simba’s coach Sven Vandenbroeck made several changes bringing on Kenyan International Francis Kahata, Pascal Wawa and John Bocco among others, but to no avail as the Mtibwa Sugar SC team stood firm.

Later Meddi Kagere and Hassan Dilunga has their shots stopped by Mtibwa Sugar goalkeeper Kakolanya.

To reach the final Simba ejected defending champions Azam FC 3-2 on penalty shoot outs, while Mtibwa Sugar FC saw off Young African FC 4-2 on penalty shootouts.

“We played better and should have won by a bigger margin. I am happy the players responded well and we are champion,” said Mtibwa coach Coach Zuberi Katwila.

Simba SC captain John Bocco said they were simply unlucky. “We created many scoring chances, but failed to take them,” added Bocco.

The tournament that attracted eight teams (four from Zanzibar and four from Tanzania mainland) was organised under the government of Zanzibar through the Ministry of Youth, Arts and Culture.