It is the first time that a Mapinduzi Cup match will be played in Pemba. Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, will serve as the guest of honour for the match.
Dar es Salaam. The excitement surrounding the 2026 NMB Mapinduzi Cup final has reached fever pitch ahead of today’s clash pitting Young Africans (Yanga SC) against and Azam FC at the Gombani Stadium in Pemba. It is the first time that a Mapinduzi Cup match will be played in Pemba.
Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, will serve as the guest of honour for the match.
Players, club officials, members and fans of both sides are buzzing with anticipation as the famous Dar es Salaam derby heads to one of its most glamorous stages in recent years.
Beyond pride and bragging rights, huge financial rewards are at stake. The champions will pocket Sh150 million, while the runners-up will walk away with Sh100 million.
On top of that, there are lucrative individual prizes for the tournament’s Best Player and the NMB Most Disciplined Player, making the final even more attractive and fiercely contested.
Azam FC were the first to book their place in the final after edging rivals Simba SC 1–0 in the first semi-final on January 8.
Yanga followed suit a day later, also winning 1–0 against Singida Black Stars to set up a mouth-watering all-Dar es Salaam showdown.
Those two semi-finals were among the most competitive in recent editions of the tournament, reflecting the high standards and intensity brought about by the tournament’s growing stature under NMB Bank’s sponsorship.
The NMB backing has transformed the Mapinduzi Cup in terms of image, prize money, quality and competitiveness.
The tournament is a key part of the celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, and this year’s edition has underlined how far it has come.
Road to Pemba
Azam FC emerged from Group A, which also included Singida Black Stars, Mlandege FC and Uganda’s URA. They opened with a 1–1 draw against Singida, then defeated defending champions Mlandege 2–0 before beating URA 2–1. In the semi-finals, they knocked out Simba with a narrow 1–0 victory.
Yanga, meanwhile, have been ruthless. Drawn in Group C alongside KVZ of Zanzibar and TRA United, they beat KVZ 3–0 and edged TRA United 1–0 to finish top. They then eliminated Singida Black Stars 1–0 in the semi-finals. Impressively, Yanga have won every match without conceding a single goal.
Afcon returnees add spice
One of the biggest factors fuelling excitement is the return of several Taifa Stars players from the ongoing Afcon 2025 finals in Morocco. Both Yanga and Azam had key players away on national duty, and their possible inclusion in the final has added a new layer of intrigue.
Azam have so far played without the likes of Feisal Salum, Zubeir Foba, Pascal Msindo, Lusajo Mwaikenda and Idd Nado, while Yanga missed Ibrahim Bacca, Dickson Job, Mohammed “Tshabalala” Hussein, Prince Dube, Bakari Mwamnyeto and Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. With Taifa Stars now back in the country, it is up to coaches Florent Ibenge and Pedro Goncalves to decide whether to unleash their stars in the final.
Everything set for kickoff
The Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) has confirmed that all preparations are complete.
The final will also mark the official opening of the newly renovated New Gombani Complex and, in a special gesture to fans, entry will be free.
ZFF Information Officer Mohammed Kabwanga said Azam arrived on Sunday and trained at Gombani, while Yanga followed on Monday. The final kicks off on Tuesday, January 13 at 10pm.
NMB Zanzibar Business Manager Naima Said Shaame wished both teams well, while reminding them of the importance of discipline.
The NMB Most Disciplined Player prize, which stood at Sh500, 000 in the group stage and Sh1 million in the semi-finals, will rise to Sh2 million in the final.
With top-class squads, returning Afcon stars and millions on the line, Pemba is set to host a final worthy of the Mapinduzi Cup’s growing reputation.
Coaches comments:
Yanga head coach Pedro Goncalves expressed confidence ahead of the clash, saying, “Our players have worked extremely hard, and we are fully prepared for this final. Every member of the squad is motivated, and we aim to deliver a performance that our fans will be proud of. Azam FC is a strong side, but we are ready for the challenge.”
On the other side, Azam FC coach Florent Ibenge was equally optimistic, stating, “Finals are always special, and we respect Yanga as tough opponents.
Our focus is on playing our game and seizing every opportunity. The players are mentally and physically ready, and we hope to give our fans a memorable night.”
