Nzengeli, Mzize shine as Yanga eliminate Coastal Union in Federation Cup
What you need to know:
- With this victory, Yanga advances to face Championship side Songea United in the next round as they continue their quest for the title.
Dar es Salaam. Two goals from Maxi Nzengeli and one from Clement Mzize were enough for defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) to eliminate Coastal Union with a 3-1 victory in the CRDB Federation Cup at the KMC Complex today, March 12, 2025.
Nzengeli opened the scoring in the second minute after dribbling past Coastal Union defenders and firing a powerful shot that left Tanga-based goalkeeper Fales Andrew Gama helpless.
As Coastal Union attempted to equalize, they were caught off guard when Nzengeli struck again in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Pacome Zouzoua.
The two early goals forced Coastal Union head coach Juma Mwambusi to make two substitutions, which helped the team respond quickly.
Their efforts paid off in the 18th minute when Miraj Hassan pulled one back with a long-range shot that beat Yanga’s goalkeeper Aboutwalib Msheli.
However, Yanga restored their two-goal cushion just three minutes later when Clement Mzize found the back of the net after being set up by Prince Dube.
With this victory, Yanga advances to face Championship side Songea United in the next round as they continue their quest for the title.
Yanga’s head coach, Miloud Hamdi, praised his players for their strong performance.
“My players delivered an excellent display to secure a convincing victory. We will continue working on improving the team’s form to maintain our competitiveness,” said Hamdi.
Meanwhile, Coastal Union head coach Juma Mwambusi admitted his team’s shortcomings, acknowledging that their mistakes allowed Yanga to dominate and secure the win.
Apart from Yanga, other teams that have qualified for the last 16 include Simba, Pamba Jiji FC, Mbeya Kwanza, Mtibwa Sugar, Giraffe Academy, Mashujaa, JKT Tanzania, Tabora United, KMC, Bigman FC, Mbeya City, Singida Black Stars, and Stand United.
The knockout competition continues tomorrow, March 13, 2025, with Singida Black Stars hosting KMC at the Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Manyara.
Other fixtures include JKT Tanzania vs. Mbeya Kwanza at Major Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya City vs. Mtibwa Sugar at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.
