How Azam FC stunned mighty Simba in final
Azam FC head coach Hans van Pluijm (fourth left - partly hidden), his assistant Juma Mwambusi (second right) and their players celebrate after beating Simba in the final of Mapinduzi Cup final at the Gombani Stadium in Pemba, Zanzibar yesterday. The ice cream makers won 2-1 to retain the title. PHOTO | MWANAHIBA RICHARD
What you need to know:
- Simba were without a host of their key players in the Mapinduzi Cup final yesterday, including strikers Meddie Kagere and Emmanuel Okwi
Zanzibar. Azam FC striker Obrey Chirwa and midfielder Mudhathir Yahya scored a goal apiece to give the ice cream makers a 2-1 win over Simba in the Mapinduzi Cup final yesterday.
Simba were without a host of their first-team players in the nail-biting match at the Gombani Stadium, Pemba, including Meddie Kagere and Emmanuel Okwi.
On Saturday, Kagere struck twice to steer Simba to a convincing 3-0 win against JS Saoura of Algeria in their Caf Champions League clash at the National Stadium.
The victory means Simba are at the top of Group D on goal difference after Egypt’s Al Ahly beat AS Vita Club of DR Congo 2-0 in the other group match on Saturday night.
Following yesterday’s victory, Azam were awarded Sh15 million at a brief but colourful closing ceremony while runners up Simba received Sh10 million.
The well-attended final started at a cracking pace with both teams pressing upfront in turn in search of the match-opener.
In the 43rd minute, Yahya capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score the first goal for Azam with a sizzling shot off a pass by Enock Attah.
After the goal, Simba pressed upfront relentlessly in search of an equaliser but had trouble in breaking down the Azam defence.
Chirwa fluffed what could have been the second goal for Azam in the 52nd minute when with only goalkeeper Ally Salim to beat, shot wide.
The Zambian striker missed another chance in the 57th minute when his close range shot went a few centimetres wide.
Simba equalised three minutes after the hour mark through Yusuph Mlipili whose superb header gave goalie Razak Abalora no chance.
Chirwa made it 2-1 for Azam in the 72nd minute after he was set up by Nicholas Wadada.
Line-ups:
Simba:- Ally Salim, Zana Coulibaly, Asante Kwasi, Paul Bukaba, Yusuph Mlipili, Mohamed Ibrahim, Shiza Kichuya, Haruna Niyonzima, Adam Salamba, Abdul Selemani and Rashid Juma
Azam FC:- Razak Abalora, Nickolas Wadada, Bruce Kangwa, Agrey Moris, Yakubu Mohamed, Stephan Mpondo, Salum Abubakar, Mudathir Yahya, Obrey Chirwa, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and Enock Agyei Atta
