Africa-Press – Tanzania. SIMBA SC will face Azam FC in the semi-final of the Mapinduzi Cup tomorrow after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Fufoni, while Azam also sealed their place with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Uganda’s URA FC at the New Amaan Complex.
The second semi-final will be played the day after tomorrow and is expected to pit Singida Black Stars against the winner of last night’s decisive Group C encounter between Young Africans and TRA United.
Simba booked their semi-final ticket using a largely rotated squad, offering valuable opportunities to fringe players and three graduates from their U-20 team goalkeeper Alexander Erasto, right-back Yahaya Hussein Mbegu and forward Bashir underlining the club’s commitment to youth development.
Only four senior players featured in the match – Alassane Kanté, Elie Mpanzu, Naby Camara and Antoni Mligo, prompting club spokesperson Ahmed Ally to proudly highlight Simba’s squad depth.
Mbegu opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Camara struck a dramatic winner in the 90th minute to seal the Lions’ progression.
Ally said Simba are treating the Mapinduzi Cup primarily as a preparatory platform for bigger challenges ahead.
He explained that the tournament offers head coach Steve Barker an invaluable opportunity to assess his squad, evaluate individual performances and determine the most effective combinations.
“Mapinduzi Cup is being used to restore players to competitive sharpness because what lies ahead is bigger and more important,” said Ally.
He added that the semi-final clash against Azam will further help the technical bench assess the team’s playing style, player fitness and overall quality ahead of major competitions.
“Our match against Azam will help improve players’ fitness levels and overall performance,” Ally noted.
Despite acknowledging the magnitude of the semi-final encounter, Ally insisted Simba would continue to hand opportunities to young and fringe players as part of a long-term development strategy.
“We are not under pressure. We will continue to prepare and give opportunities to young players,” he said.
Azam FC, meanwhile, head into the semi-final brimming with confidence after defeating Simba in their most recent Tanzania Premier League meeting.
In the Mapinduzi Cup group stage, Azam topped Group A with seven points after a 2-0 win over Mlandege and a 1-1 draw with Singida Black Stars. Singida BS finished second with five points, followed by URA FC on four, while Mlandege ended the group without a point.
Simba topped Group B with six points, while the final Group C semi-finalist will be determined tonight when Yanga, who need at least a draw to qualify, face TRA United. Yanga sit on three points, while TRA United have three, with only a win guaranteeing TRA top spot and a place in the last four.
