ZANZIBAR : ZANZIBAR Heroes Head Coach Ali Bakar Ngazija has expressed frustration following his team’s 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso in their second match of the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, played at Gombani Stadium in Pemba.
The game was decided by a late goal from Burkina Faso forward, Abubakar Toure, who found the back of the net in the 74th minute.
Speaking to the media after the match, Coach Ngazija criticised his team’s attacking performance, particularly their inability to capitalise on several scoring opportunities.
He stated that the lack of composure in front of goal ultimately cost his side the match. “We created many chances, but we failed to convert them,” Ngazija said.
“Our lack of precision in finishing let us down and deprived us of three valuable points. Those points could have put us in a much stronger position for the final.”
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Despite the disappointment, Ngazija remain focused on the future and stressed that he had identified areas of improvement in his attack.
He is determined to address the issues before the team’s next match. “We need to fix our attacking problems to secure a win in the next game and qualify for the final,” he said.
Ngazija also urged fans and supporters of the Zanzibar Heroes to stay hopeful and continue supporting the team as they aim for the tournament title.
The Zanzibar Heroes kicked off the tournament with a slim 1-0 victory over regional rivals Kilimanjaro Stars and now face Kenya in their final group match on January 10.
Following the defeat, Zanzibar Heroes remain on three points, while Burkina Faso moved to four points. Meanwhile, Kenya defeated Kilimanjaro Stars 2-0.
After a break yesterday, the tournament resumes today with Kilimanjaro Stars facing Burkina Faso, followed by Zanzibar Heroes against Kenya on Friday.
The top two teams from the group will advance to the final to be stage on January 13. The finals will also mark the end of 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution celebrations.
