Yanga converted all their spot kicks through Emmanuel Mwanengo, Prince Dube, Pacome Zouzoua, Mudathir Yahya and captain Bakari Mwamnyeto.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland champions Young Africans (Yanga) today January 13, 2026 crowned NMB Mapinduzi Cup winners after edging Azam FC 5–4 on penalties in a tense final at the Gombani Stadium in Pemba.
The trophy was decided in a dramatic shootout following a goalless draw after 120 minutes of action, with neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time or extra time.
Yanga converted all their spot kicks through Emmanuel Mwanengo, Prince Dube, Pacome Zouzoua, Mudathir Yahya and captain Bakari Mwamnyeto.
Azam FC responded with successful efforts from Yahya Zayd, Nuru Kwane, Fredrick Kanoute and Ngita Kamanya, but defender Zouzou Landry saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Yanga goalkeeper Abdutwalib Mshery, proving the decisive moment of the final.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who was the guest of honour, presented the trophy to Yanga captain Mwamnyeto after the thrilling encounter, marking a fitting climax to the prestigious tournament.
With the victory, Yanga pocketed Sh150 million from tournament sponsors NMB Bank, while runners-up Azam FC received Sh100 million.
The triumph marked Yanga’s third NMB Mapinduzi Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010 and 2020, further cementing their status as one of Tanzania’s most successful clubs.
The Mapinduzi Cup is one of East Africa’s most enduring football tournaments, staged annually in Zanzibar as part of celebrations marking the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution.
Since 2004, the competition has grown steadily in importance, transforming from a domestic showcase into a respected regional tournament that attracts elite clubs and national teams.
The modern Mapinduzi Cup era began in 2004 when Young Africans SC claimed the title, setting the tone for strong participation by mainland Tanzanian giants.
A year later, Mafunzo FC added Zanzibar’s name to the honours list by lifting the trophy in 2005, highlighting the competitive balance between mainland and island clubs in the tournament’s early years.
Although the competition was not held in 2006, it returned in 2007 with Malindi SC emerging champions after a 2–0 victory over Miembeni SC. Miembeni later captured the 2008 title, defeating Polisi SC 2–1, before another interruption occurred in 2009.
From 2010 onwards, the Mapinduzi Cup entered a more competitive phase. Mtibwa Sugar won the 2010 final, while Simba SC secured their first title in 2011 by beating rivals Young Africans SC.
Azam FC then rose to dominance, beginning a golden era with titles in 2012 and 2013, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the competition.
The tournament also expanded its regional footprint. Uganda’s Kampala City Council claimed the 2014 title, followed by Simba SC’s penalty shootout victory in 2015.
Uganda Revenue Authority triumphed in 2016, reinforcing the tournament’s cross-border appeal.
Azam FC returned strongly, winning in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to become the most successful club with five titles.
In recent editions, Mtibwa Sugar lifted their second crown in 2020, while Young Africans added a second title in 2021 through a dramatic penalty shootout final.
Simba SC won their third title in 2022, before Mlendege FC revived Zanzibari pride with back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024.
