Yanga eye double as they face Azam in Federation Cup final

Tanga. All roads lead to the Mkwakwani Stadium today, where the Young Africans (Yanga) are facing Azam FC in the Azam Federation Cup final match.

The game, which is to be held in Tanga, will kick off at 3pm., and both coaches of the two teams have bragged about winning.

Yanga head coach Nesreddine Nabi said he is taking the encounter with all his weight, which is why he rested some of his key players in their last match of the Mainland Tanzania Premier League against Tanzania Prisons at the Sokoine Stadium and won 2-0 thanks to Fiston Mayele and Yannick Bangala’s goals.

Victory for the Jangwani giants will make them double champions this season, while a win for Azam FC will make them win their first title this season. However, Azam FC have already secured the ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Speaking ahead of the match, coach Nabi exuded confidence that his team would add another title by outshining Coastal Union. In their Mainland Premier League matches, the two teams recorded a 2-2 draw on September 6, last year, and on December 25, 2022, Yanga registered a 3-2 victory against Azam FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

 “I’m aware that it is going to be a tough game since Azam FC will be seeking revenge against us. We have taken all precautions, and my players are ready to make history this season,” he said.

Nabi said they are expecting strong opposition from Azam FC in the encounter. He said his players are ready to play at their best in order to emerge victorious in an expectedly thrilling match.

“We need to prove our worth in the encounter and maintain our unbeaten run in the competition. We have two titles: the Community Shield and the NBC Premier League. We need victory to prove our worth,” said Nabi.

Azam FC trainer Kally Ongalla said his team are unfazed by Yanga after undergoing intensive training. Ongalla stressed that his players are psyched up to face Yanga and clinch the title for the first time.

“We know that it is not going to be a walk in the park. Yanga have good players, but my boys are determined to record a win,” said Ongalla. He said he is proud of having committed players, who, he believes, will not let him down.

“All my players are aware of the importance of the encounter and have the target of winning the chance to compete in international competitions,” he said.