Zanzibar eliminates Harambee Stars in Mapinduzi Cup 2025

Zanzibar Heroes have defeated Kenya 1-0 to qualify for the final at the on-going Mapinduzi Cup 2025 in Pemba, Zanzibar.

The Heroes netted a late goal off a corner that Ali Khatib nodded in four minutes into added time at the Gombani Stadium on Friday night.

Moses Shumah had earlier missed a scoring opportunity for Kenya, while skipper Feisal Salum ‘Toto’ also had his effort blocked by the Harambee Stars goalkeeper.

Kenya’s Aboud Omar was shown a straight red card following an altercation with the referee after 70th minute. Zanzibar also had a player sent off later in the match. Zanzibar who finished second will now face Burkina Faso who topped the round robin log.

“We are happy that we managed to get a win against a strong Kenyan side. Now we shall focus on preparing for the final match against Burkina Faso on January 13th,” said Zanzibar’s captain Salum.

Zanzibar Heroes beat Tanzania 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament and lost by the same margin to Burkina Faso in the second match.

Table standing

                          P   W   D    L   GF  GA GD Pts

Burkina Faso   3    2    1     0     4     1     3     7

Zanzibar          3    2    0     1      2     1     1    6

Kenya              3    1    1     1     3     2     1     4

Tanzania          3     0    0     3    0    5    -5     0