KMC off to winning start

DAR ES SALAAM: KINONDONI Municipal Council (KMC) kicked off their CECAFA Kagame Cup 2025 campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over Zanzibar’s Mlandege in a Group B clash at the KMC Complex yesterday.

KMC took early control of the game and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Juma Sagwe after he calmly slotted past Mlandege goalkeeper Hamadi Ubwa Baro.

The hosts doubled their lead five minutes into the second half. Erick Mwijage, who was central to KMC’s attacking rhythm, picked out Rashid Chambo with a clever pass.

Chambo made no mistake, guiding his finish into the net to make it 2-0.

KMC dominated the second half, pressing high and pinning Mlandege deep into their own territory.

Mwijage led the charge in midfield, keeping the visitors under constant pressure.

Sagwe had a golden chance to extend the lead in the 54th minute after a counter-attack but sent his shot wide.

Mlandege responded with a well-struck free-kick from Enzo Sauvage in the 57th minute, but KMC’s keeper Fabien Mutombora was equal to the task.

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KMC nearly added a third in the 70th minute, but Daruweshi Saliboko’s effort was stopped by Baro.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 87th minute when Abdallah Said swept home KMC’s third after a well-worked move. But just as KMC looked to have sealed the win, the match took a wild turn.

Mlandege pulled one back just a minute later through a penalty, coolly converted by Abed Ama after a handball in the box.

Then, in the 89th minute, Aimar Hafidh stunned the crowd by scoring a second, narrowing the gap to 3-2.

With momentum swinging, Mlandege pushed for a dramatic equaliser in added time, but KMC held firm to secure all three points.

In the earlier Group B match at the same venue, Rwanda’s APR began their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Burundi’s Bumamuru.

Djibril Aouttara gave APR the lead in the 9th minute, rising to meet a set-piece and flicking the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

William Togui added the second in the 73rd minute to seal the result.

After the opening round, KMC topped Group B on goal difference ahead of APR, with both teams on three points. Mlandege and Bumamuru remain without a poin