Nangwanda ready for Simba-Azam duel

RENOVATION works at Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in Mtwara ahead of the epic Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) semifinals between Simba and Azam are at advanced stage.

The two teams meet there on May 6^th this year  for the decisive encounter whose winner earns a ticket into the ASFC final.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Mtwara Regional Football Association, Athuman Kambi disclosed that until now, almost 80 per cent of the pitch upgrading works have been completed as they continue to make it better.

“In a few days, the renovation work on the pitch is going to be 100 per cent complete and we are grateful to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for their timely support we are getting,” he said.

Moreover, he reiterated that other sections of the venue like dressing rooms are already in perfect condition ahead of the big game.

To reach this far, Simba mauled Ihefu 4-1 at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam as the team’s key striker Jean Baleke sealed a hat-trick in the first half netting in the 2nd, 15th and 28th minutes before Saido Ntibazonkiza added the 4th goal 11 minutes later.

On the other hand, a 10-man Azam, hammered Mtibwa Sugar 2-0 to book a last four ticket.

However, during the match, Azam suffered a setback when their centre-back Daniel Amoah received marching orders in the 21st minute of the game after grounding Mtibwa Sugar player prompting the referee to give him a red card.

This happens to be a third time the two teams are facing this season after meeting twice in the Premier League of which the first game Azam won 1-0 while the second match saw the teams sharing spoils in a 1-1 draw.

In that regard, the upcoming fixture remains unpredictable and anything can happen.