Mlandege claims consecutive Mapinduzi Cup glory with Simba scalp

Unguja. In a captivating display of defensive prowess, Mlandege Football Club cemented their dominance in the Zanzibar football scene by retaining the Mapinduzi Cup title.

The New Amaan Complex witnessed the Island giants fend off Tanzania's football powerhouse, Simba SC, in a thrilling 1-0 victory, etching their name in Mapinduzi Cup history as back-to-back champions.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 54th minute when Mlandege's new striker, Joseph Akandwanaho, weaved magic through Simba's formidable defense to net the solitary goal.

This strike not only secured Mlandege's triumph but also marked his official celebration as a hero in his new team.

For their commendable effort, Mlandege FC walked away with the prestigious Sh100 million tournament bounty, while Simba received Sh70 million. Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi himself bestowed the prizes upon the teams, adding to the occasion's momentousness.

Mlandege's head coach, Ramadhan Khamis, showered his players with praise for their unwavering performance against such a formidable opponent.

"We faced tough competition throughout the tournament," he acknowledged, "and our players deserve the highest applause for reaching the top."

While the victory solidifies Mlandege's reign in the Mapinduzi Cup, it represents a temporary setback for Simba's head coach, Abdelhak Benchikha, in his pursuit of his first silverware with the club.

This Mapinduzi Cup final undoubtedly etched a heartbreak into Benchikha's coaching journey with Simba, adding another layer of pressure to his quest for coveted trophies.

History reveals that Mainland Tanzanian teams have historically dominated the tournament, with Azam FC holding the record for five titles, followed by Simba SC with three, and Yanga and Mtibwa Sugar FC boasting two each. Zanzibar's teams have also left their mark, with Jamhuri of Pemba, Polisi, KMKM, Mafunzo, Malindi, and Miembeni each claiming one title. Interestingly, Uganda's Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) also have one Mapinduzi Cup victory apiece.

Beyond the final clash between Mlandege FC and Simba, the tournament witnessed fierce competition from Young Africans (Yanga), Azam FC, Singida Fountain Gate FC, Rwanda's APR, Burundi's Vital'O, South Sudan's Jamus, and Zanzibar's very own KVZ, Jamhuri, and Chipukizi.

Mlandege FC's impressive defense and Akandwanaho's timely strike have not only secured their place in Mapinduzi Cup history but also sent a resounding message to the entire Tanzanian football scene.

With back-to-back titles under their belt, Mlandege FC is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and their future is brimming with exciting possibilities.

Mlandege claims consecutive Mapinduzi Cup glory with Simba scalp

Zanzibar. In a captivating display of defensive prowess, Mlandege Football Club cemented their dominance in the Zanzibar football scene by retaining the Mapinduzi Cup title.

The New Amaan Complex witnessed the Island giants fend off Tanzania's football powerhouse, Simba SC, in a thrilling 1-0 victory, etching their name in Mapinduzi Cup history as back-to-back champions.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 54th minute when Mlandege's new striker, Joseph Akandwanaho, weaved magic through Simba's formidable defense to net the solitary goal.

This strike not only secured Mlandege's triumph but also marked his official celebration as a hero in his new team.

For their commendable effort, Mlandege FC walked away with the prestigious Sh100 million tournament bounty, while Simba received Sh70 million. Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi himself bestowed the prizes upon the teams, adding to the occasion's momentousness.

Mlandege's head coach, Ramadhan Khamis, showered his players with praise for their unwavering performance against such a formidable opponent.

"We faced tough competition throughout the tournament," he acknowledged, "and our players deserve the highest applause for reaching the top."

While the victory solidifies Mlandege's reign in the Mapinduzi Cup, it represents a temporary setback for Simba's head coach, Abdelhak Benchikha, in his pursuit of his first silverware with the club.

This Mapinduzi Cup final undoubtedly etched a heartbreak into Benchikha's coaching journey with Simba, adding another layer of pressure to his quest for coveted trophies.

History reveals that Mainland Tanzanian teams have historically dominated the tournament, with Azam FC holding the record for five titles, followed by Simba SC with three, and Yanga and Mtibwa Sugar FC boasting two each. Zanzibar's teams have also left their mark, with Jamhuri of Pemba, Polisi, KMKM, Mafunzo, Malindi, and Miembeni each claiming one title. Interestingly, Uganda's Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) also have one Mapinduzi Cup victory apiece.

Beyond the final clash between Mlandege FC and Simba, the tournament witnessed fierce competition from Young Africans (Yanga), Azam FC, Singida Fountain Gate FC, Rwanda's APR, Burundi's Vital'O, South Sudan's Jamus, and Zanzibar's very own KVZ, Jamhuri, and Chipukizi.

Mlandege FC's impressive defense and Akandwanaho's timely strike have not only secured their place in Mapinduzi Cup history but also sent a resounding message to the entire Tanzanian football scene.

With back-to-back titles under their belt, Mlandege FC is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and their future is brimming with exciting possibilities.