Big guns head for ASFC showdown

MAINLAND Premier League teams are fastening boots ahead of the tough Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) quarterfinals pegged to begin this weekend.

All eight teams have qualified for the quarterfinals stage parade in the Mainland Premier League. The appearance of the eight top-flight teams will make the stage more intense and exciting to watch as every side targets to walk away with the title.

The opening game of the quarters will see debutants Singida Big Stars welcoming Mbeya City at Liti Stadium in Singida on Sunday.

On Monday, Azam entertains Mtibwa Sugar at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam in another tough duel for both teams.

Then on Friday, Simba will take on Ihefu at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. A day later, the defending champions, Young Africans, will host Geita Gold at Azam Complex.

However, according to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Competitions Manager, Baraka Kizuguto, Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in Mtwara and Liti Stadium in Singida are two venues to host semifinal games.

Also, Kizuguto disclosed that this year’s ASFC finals will be on stage at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.

“The management of these stadiums should begin preparations for the upcoming games because if the venues will not be playable, TFF has the mandate to reschedule the fixtures to other arenas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azam were the last side to join the class of best eight teams following their 2-0 victory over Mapinduzi at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The last-16 campaign witnessed 20 goals netted in various hosting venues as Simba and Yanga emerged heavy winners.

The Msimbazi Street Reds, the first side to book a quarterfinals ticket, defeated African Sport 4-0 at Uhuru Stadium in the city Yanga battered Tanzania Prisons 4-1 at Azam Complex.

However, victories recorded by Simba and Yanga indicate a possible meeting between them in a traditional derby somewhere in the competition, perhaps in the semifinals or finals.

Another side that stamped a big win was Geita Gold, who outsmarted Green Warriors 3-1 at Nyankumbu Stadium in Geita as they also showcased a massive performance aiming at lifting the title.

On the other hand, Ihefu and Azam cherished 2-0 victories apiece against Pan African and Mapinduzi, while narrow wins produced by Singida Big Stars (1-0) against JKT Tanzania, Mbeya City (1-0) versus Kagera Sugar and Mtibwa Sugar (1-0) over KMC.