Yanga coach praises players on Singida win, eyes Mapinduzi Cup glory

ZANZIBAR: YOUNG Africans Head Coach Pedro Goncalves has showered praise on his players after they secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Singida Black Stars (SBS) to qualify for the final of the Mapinduzi Cup.

The narrow win was recorded in a tense semifinal encounter played at the Amaan Complex in Unguja, Zanzibar on Friday night.

A second-half goal from attacking midfielder Maxi Nzengeli proved enough to separate the two s i d e s and send the Jangwani giants into the final.

Following the result, Yanga will now lock horns with Azam FC in the final set for January 13, 2026, at the Gombani Stadium in Pemba, Zanzibar.

The match forms part of celebrations to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.

The ice cream makers booked their place in the final after edging Yanga arch rivals – Simba SC 1–0 in the first semi-final played at the same venue on Tuesday.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 54th minute when Nzengeli made good use of a precise penetration pass from Ivorian Pacome Zouzoua in midfield to calmly beat the goalkeeper.

The match was fiercely contested, with Yanga showing defensive solidity to protect their lead.

Two red cards were issued to Yanga’s Mohamed Damaro and Singida’s Morice Chukwu, bringing the total number of red cards in the tournament to three so far.

Speaking after the match, Goncalves admitted the contest was played under heavy pressure that at times affected player discipline and resulted in red cards, despite the players being familiar with one another.

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“I congratulate my players once again for the effort and commitment they continue to show on the pitch,” said the tactician.

Yanga will be chasing their third Mapinduzi Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2021.

Their opponents Azam are the most successful team in the history of the competition, having won it five times in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2019, and will be targeting a sixth crown.

On the other hand, SBS Head Coach David Ouma said the tournament had been a valuable test for his squad as they prepare for upcoming CAF Confederation Cup assignments.

The Mapinduzi Cup, which features 10 teams, carries a top prize of 150m/- the champions, while the runners-up are set to walk away with 100m/-.