Singida seek revenge against Simba in Mapinduzi Cup match
Simba player Willy Onana (left) vies for the ball against Singida Fountain Gate FC midfielder Yusuph Kagoma during a past match. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Singida have one foot in the competition and only need a draw to advance to the knockout stage. Simba, on the other hand, need victory to secure qualification.
Dar es Salaam. Football giants Simba SC play a crucial match today against Singida Fountain Gate FC in their bid to qualify for the semifinals of the Mapinduzi Cup.
The match, scheduled to take place at the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar, kicks off at 8:15 pm, with both teams aiming for victory. Another match, set to start at 4:15 pm, will feature APR of Rwanda against JKU.
Singida currently lead group B with six points after winning two matches . They secured a 4-1 victory over Zanzibar's giants, JKU, and later won 3-1 over APR. Simba are placed second with three points, following their 3-1 victory over JKU, who have been kicked out of the competition.
Arithmetically, Singida have one foot in the competition and only need a draw to advance to the knockout stage. Simba, on the other hand, need victory to secure qualification.
According to the tournament’s regulations, the top teams in groups A, B, and C will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while the fourth team will be the best finisher, also known as the best loser.
The current scenario makes today's encounter the most thrilling and decisive one. In their last match, Simba won 2-1 at the Liti Stadium in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League encounter. Football fans can expect a classic match with a display of tactics and techniques from both teams in this annual tournament.
Simba SC head coach Abdelhak Benchikha is confident that his team will shine in the encounter despite facing an uphill task.
Benchikha, who was dissatisfied with the team's performance in the first match against JKU, stated that they are ready for the upcoming challenge.
Singida FG head coach Thabo Senong said that his players are in good shape ahead of the match, and their goal is to perform at their best.
Senong said that his players are in high spirit to face Simba. "We are aware that it is not going to be a walk in the park. I have the best players just like Simba, but my men are determined to record a win tomorrow (today),” said Senong.
He added that victory against Simba will make them qualify for the knockout stage of the competition and that his players are fully aware of the significance of the encounter.
