Aziz Ki Stars as Yanga qualify for Federation Cup finals in 2024
Yanga attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki celebrates after scoring against Ihefu FC in the CRDB Federation Cup semifinal at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha yesterday. Yanga won 1-0. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The final match of the competition is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the Tanzanite Complex in the Manyara region.
- This will be the third time Yanga faces Azam FC in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup.
Dar es Salaam: Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) will face Azam FC in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup final following their 1-0 victory against Ihefu FC at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium on May 19, 2024.
A goal from Stephane Aziz Ki in the 101st minute was enough for the Jangwani Street giants to sink Ihefu FC in the thrilling encounter. Aziz Ki connected with a good pass from Pacome Zouzoua.
The final match of the competition is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the Tanzanite Complex in the Manyara region.
This will be the third time Yanga faces Azam FC in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup.
The first encounter was in the 2025/2026 edition, where Yanga won 3-1. The second meeting was in the 2021/2022 edition, where Yanga won 1-0 at the Mkwakwani Stadium in the Tanga region.
Azam FC qualified for the final after eliminating Coastal Union 3-0 at the CCM Kirumba Stadium. The winner of the competition will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Both teams played well in the encounter, with Yanga dominating both halves and creating many scoring chances but failing to convert them into goals. Ihefu FC also created various scoring chances but lacked concentration and missed all their opportunities.
"I commend my players for the victory. We managed to command the game in both halves but failed to score more goals. However, what is important is to win the game, which we did, and my players deserve compliments," said Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi.
Gamondi said the match was very tough and that the team had to rest some of its key players due to fatigue. "It was not an easy match, as Ihefu FC played well and created some clear chances. The first half was fifty-fifty, but in the second half, we dominated completely,” he said.
Ihefu FC head coach Mecky Mexime commended his players for their performance despite losing against a very tough team in the competition. Mexime acknowledged they made mistakes that gave Yanga a chance to win the encounter.
“I cannot blame my players; they showed their best in the encounter despite the defeat. As head coaches, they did their best and deserve compliments,” said Mexime.
Meanwhile, Yanga’s attacking midfielder Mudathir Yahya was named man of the match in the encounter.
