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Simba SC meet Azam FC in Azam Federation Cup semis

Simba’s Pape Ousmane Sakho (centre) attempts to kick the ball as he is challenged by Azam FC players during the past match held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | COURTESY

By  The Citizen Reporter

Media/news company

Mwananchi Communications Limited

What you need to know:

  • The match has been scheduled to kickoff at 4pm and each team target victory in order to qualify for the final scheduled to take place at Tanga’s Mkwakwani Stadium

Dar es Salaam. All roads will today lead to Mtwara, where football giants in the country, Simba SC and Azam FC, clash at the Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in the Azam Federation Cup semifinal encounter.

The match has been scheduled to kickoff at 4pm and each team target victory in order to qualify for the final scheduled to take place at Tanga’s Mkwakwani Stadium in the date to be announced later.

It is a crucial match for the two giants in order to win silverware this season. So far Azam FC have no chance of clinching the NBC Mainland Premier League title even if they win all of their remaining matches. The ice-cream makers are placed third with 53 points and neither they can dislodge Simba nor Yanga from the two top positions.

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Simba at least have the chance of reclaiming the Mainland title if Yanga fail to collect three points in their three remaining matches.

The Msimbazi Street giants have so far collected 64 points from 27 matches and can collect 73 points if they are to win all of their three remaining matches. Yanga have so far collected 71 points and now need only three points to retain the title.

Simba SC and Azam FC meet for the third time this season. In the Mainland Premier League, Azam FC won 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the match played on October 27, 2022 before the teams recorded a 1-1 draw in the return leg played on February 22, 2023 at the same venue. This implies that Simba seek revenge.

Records show that the two teams have played 28 matches since 2012, 11 of which were won by Simba, while Azam won eight. The other nine matches ended in draws.

Simba head coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho said they are targeting victory in order to qualify for the final match.

“We need to do our best in the encounter, Azam FC are a strong team who are also targeting to emerge victorious. But we have also prepared our players for victory,” Robertinho said.

For his part, Azam FC coach Kally Ongalla said his players are in high spirit and are ready to do their best against Simba.

In the headlines