Why Yanga-Azam final tie in Federation Cup moved to Zanzibar
What you need to know:
- Originally, the match was scheduled to take place at the Tanzanite Complex in Manyara Region on June 2, but had to be moved to another venue due to various technical reasons.
Dar es Salaam. Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) will now face Azam FC at the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar in the final match of the CRDB Bank Federation Cup.
Originally, the match was scheduled to take place at the Tanzanite Complex in Manyara Region on June 2, but had to be moved to another venue due to various technical reasons.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Information Officer Clifford Ndimbo said the decision was made during a recent meeting held in the city and the match has been scheduled to kick off at 8.15pm.
Ndimbo explained that one of the reasons for the change was the incomplete stadium infrastructure, as well as security concerns.
He noted that some of the infrastructure at the Tanzanite Complex would not be ready by the scheduled match date.
"We have consulted with the Manyara authorities to continue the construction of the stadium, despite our decision. Completing the infrastructure will enable the stadium to host other major matches in the future," said Ndimbo.
He also said TFF has invited Zanzibar’s minister for Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports, Tabia Maulid Mwita, to be the match’s chief guest. The decision has raised concerns among football stakeholders, particularly when Simba wanted to move its venue to the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar for their Tanzania Mainland Premier League matches.
Clarifying the matter, Ndimbo said Simba were not prevented from using the stadium for their Premier League matches, but the club failed to comply with directives given by the stadium owner, especially concerning betting.
"So, we have changed the venue, and we have the mandate to do that," said Ndimbo.
Azam FC were the first team to qualify for the CRDB Federation Cup final after recording a 3-0 victory over Coastal Union on May 18 at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza Region.
Yanga defeated Ihefu FC 1-0 in a tough encounter held at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha Region. The winners of the Yanga-Azam match will represent the country in the next edition of the CAF Confederation Cup.
However, Yanga have already secured a slot in the CAF Champions League after winning the Tanzania Mainland Premier League title. This will be the third time the two teams face off in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup.
The first encounter was in the 2015/2016 edition in which Yanga won 3-1 and the second meeting was in the 2021/2022 season, whereby Yanga won 1-0 at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga Region.
