Azam FC have booked their place in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup final after defeating Yanga SC 3–2 in a dramatic semi-final that lasted 120 minutes at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.
The match provided excitement from start to finish and ended with the elimination of defending champions Yanga, who had dominated the competition for the past four consecutive seasons.
Azam FC opened the scoring through Himid Mao, who headed home after Yanga defenders failed to clear the danger inside the penalty area. The goal gave Azam a 1–0 lead at halftime.
Yanga responded strongly in the second half and found an equalizer through striker Prince Dube, who headed in a well-delivered cross from Allan Okello.
However, Yanga’s defensive problems resurfaced when Lameck Lawi restored Azam FC’s lead in the 85th minute, heading home from a corner taken by Feisal Salum.
Just three minutes later, Yanga captain Bakari Nondo Mwamnyeto brought his side back into the match, scoring with a header from another Allan Okello cross to make it 2–2.
The result forced the game into 30 minutes of extra time, where Yanga appeared to have the advantage after Azam FC were reduced to ten men. Defender Yoro Diaby received a red card for bringing down Prince Dube when the striker was through on goal.
Despite Yanga’s sustained pressure, Azam FC goalkeeper Zuberi Foba produced a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.
The decisive moment came in the closing stages of extra time when Yanga defender Bacca made a costly back-pass error. Striker Japhet Kitambala intercepted the ball and calmly scored the winner, sealing a 3–2 victory and sending Azam FC into the final.
With the win, Azam FC will now face Simba SC in the CRDB Federation Cup final, setting up a highly anticipated showdown between two of Tanzania’s biggest clubs. Simba had already secured their place in the final after defeating Coastal Union in their semi-final.
For Yanga, hopes of defending the trophy are over after four consecutive title-winning seasons. The club will now shift its focus to retaining the Tanzania Mainland Premier League crown.
Yanga and Azam FC are set to meet again next Wednesday at New Amaan Complex Stadium in Zanzibar in a crucial league fixture that could have a significant impact on the title race.
