Yanga, Mtibwa sail to quarters

YOUNG Africans and Mtibwa Sugar sailed through to Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) after winning their best of 16 matches held in Songea and Mwanza yesterday.

Yanga had to work extra hard at Majimaji Stadium in Songea to register a hardearned 2-1 victory while at Nyamagana Stadium in Mwanza, Mtibwa Sugar clobbered Buseresere FC 3- 0 in a thrilling match.

Five Premier League teams have now qualified for the quarter final stage of ASFC following the yesterday’s entry of Young Africans and Mtibwa Sugar. Other Premier League teams that have already qualified for the last eight stage are Njombe Mji who ousted Mbao FC 6-5 on spot kicks, Singida United who defeated Polisi Tanzania 2-0 at Namfua Stadium on Saturday.

Azam were the third premier league side to sail to the quarters after eliminating Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) 3-1 at Azam Complex on Saturday. At Majimaji Stadium, Yanga laboured to beat highly skilled Majimaji who looked a better side yesterday. Majimaji’s Marcel Bonaventure was arguably the best striker of the match who looked lethal whenever he touched the ball.

It was through him that Majimaji managed to score their consolation goal in the second half. The match itself was balance especially in the early minutes of the clash as both teams seemed looking to register an early goal and stand a better chance to make it into the quarter finals. Majimaji who enjoyed a huge possession in the first half, were in trouble in five minutes to the breather when they allowed Yanga to score the opener in the 40th minute through Pius Buswita. The slippery striker headed a free kick to enable his team lead 1-0 at the end of the first half.

The goal move was initiated by Ibrahim Ajib who played a short corner to Mwinyi Haji and the later volleyed a ball to the crowded box and Buswita headed it home unchallenged from a close range. The hosts applied all tricks they knew in a hunt for an equaliser, but they couldn’t manage it as the lonely goal remained until the end of the 45th minute.

But what cost Majimaji dearly was inability to beat offside trick as they committed it over 15 times. On resumption, both teams came out strongly, though much flair and determination could be seen among Majimaji players. Yanga once again surprised Majimaji with deadly counter attack just 12 minutes from the restart. It was Emanuel Martin who added the second goal for Yanga in the 57th minute when he headed home Hassan Kessy’s cross from the right flank.

The goal came as counter attack in response to series of raids Majimaji made at Yanga’s goal right after the resumption. Yanga looked relaxed after 2-0 lead with over 30 minutes remaining.

Majimaji reacted strongly after conceding the second goal and made series of raids. It was in the 61st minute when their efforts paid off. Jafari Mohamed netted the team’s vital goal in an attempt to reduce the margin.

The scorer headed home Boneventure’s free kick. He was fouled by Kelvin just a few metres from the box. The Federation Cup continues today when Kiluvya United host Tanzania Prisons in Dar es Salaam, while Stand United will host Dodoma FC at CCM Kambarage stadium in Shinyanga.