Simba to seek revenge against Azam FC in Union Cup final
Simba attacking midfielder Clatous Chama (left) and Azam FC’s Sospeter Bajana vie for the ball during a past match. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The encounter has been scheduled to kick off at 8.15pm, and the winners will take home Sh50 million while the loser will be awarded Sh30 million.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland giants, Simba SC, will seek revenge against Azam FC in the final match of the Union Cup on April 27, 2024, at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The encounter has been scheduled to kick off at 8.15pm, and the winners will take home Sh50 million while the loser will be awarded Sh30 million.
Simba qualified for the final after eliminating KVZ in the opening match, winning 2-0. Azam FC secured their spot in the final after recording a 5-2 victory over KMKM.
The Simba-Azam tie is expected to be thrilling as both teams will be targeting victory to claim the title of the revived competition that had been dormant for the past 20 years.
Records show that they have met 33 times in the Tanzania Mainland League and other competitions, with Simba winning 13 matches while Azam registering eight victories and 12 games ending in draws.
In the Premier League match held on February 9, 2024, at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, the teams drew 1-1, with Msimbazi Street side equalizing in stoppage time.
Similarly, in the encounter played on February 21, 2023, the two teams recorded a 1-1 draw at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Simba are yet to register victory over Azam FC in two consecutive seasons, adding to the anticipation of the tough upcoming encounter.
Simba assistant coach Seleman Matola expressed his confidence in winning the title over Azam FC.
For his part, Azam FC head coach Bruno Ferry stated that despite facing a tough challenge, his players are in high spirits and ready to deliver their best and secure victory over Simba,.
This marks Azam's first participation in the tournament as they aim for their inaugural title, while Simba targeting their sixth championship to match Yanga's record.
The competition has come to life with only four teams, starting at the semi-final stage.
Previously, eight teams were competing, four from Tanzania Mainland and the rest from Zanzibar.
The tournament is dedicated to commemorating the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which marks its 60th anniversary this year.
The Union, which formed Tanzania, was established on April 26, 1964.
