Yanga bow out of the Mapinduzi Cup, Simba and Azam face challenging tasks
What you need to know:
- Despite being among the pre-tournament favorites, Yanga's dream of winning the title was shattered by this defeat.
Dar es Salaam. The biggest football giant in the country, Young Africans (Yanga), have been eliminated from the 2024 Mapinduzi Cup after suffering a 3-1 defeat against APR of Rwanda.
The match took place on January 7, 2024, at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, and Yanga took the lead with a goal from Jesus Moloko in the 23rd minute, courtesy of a well-executed pass from Clement Mzize.
APR equalized through Sanda Soulei in the 45th minute before Victor Mbaoma and Sharaf Eldin Shiboub scored the second and third goals in this thrilling encounter.
Despite being among the pre-tournament favorites, Yanga's dream of winning the title was shattered by this defeat.
APR will now face the defending champions, Mlandege, who secured a 3-2 victory on penalties against KVZ SC after both teams played to a goalless draw in regular time.
Meanwhile, Azam FC will take on Singida Fountain Gate FC in another quarterfinal match at 4:15 pm. today, January 8, 2024, at the New Amaan Complex. The match is anticipated to be challenging as both teams aim for victory to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Another match scheduled for today features Simba and Jamhuri, set to kick off at 8:15 pm. at the same venue. The winners of this year’s edition will pocket Sh100 million.
The Mapinduzi Cup is an annual competition that is part of the anniversary celebrations of the Zanzibar Revolution, which ousted the Sultan from power on January 12, 1964. Tanzanian side Azam FC is the most decorated club in the competition, boasting a record five titles.
