Yanga and Azam FC Set for High-Stakes CRDB Federation Cup Final in Zanzibar

Yanga and Azam FC will clash in the final of the CRDB Federation Cup at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on June 2, 2024. The match, which kicks off at 8:14 PM local time, promises to be a thrilling contest with both teams seeking redemption after previous setbacks in the league.

The stakes are high for Yanga, who recently celebrated their third consecutive Tanzania Mainland Premier League championship title, marking their 30th league triumph overall. Despite their domestic success, Yanga's season has been marked by ups and downs, including a loss to Simba in the Community Shield final earlier in the season.

Yanga's resurgence has been driven by significant changes within the team. The appointment of head coach Miguel Gamondi from Argentina and the acquisition of several star players have transformed the squad. Midfielders Stephanie Aziz KI, Maxi Nzengeli, Mudathir Yahya, and Pacome Zouzoua have been instrumental in their success, with Aziz KI emerging the league's top scorer with 21 goals.

Azam FC has been a formidable competitor in the league. The team has bolstered its roster with key signings, including Feisal Salum and Yannick Bangala from Yanga. Azam FC's determination to secure the CRDB Federation Cup title is fueled by their desire to avenge their previous losses to Yanga in the tournament's history.

The final is also a grudge match for Yanga, who are seeking revenge for their 2-1 defeat to Azam FC on March 17, 2024, in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The match was marred by controversy, with Yanga disputing the second goal scored by Azam FC's Feisal "Fei Toto" on the grounds that Gibril Sillah committed an alleged foul before the goal was scored. The match also saw Yanga's Pacome Zouzoua suffer an injury after being fouled.

The CRDB Federation Cup final was initially scheduled to take place at the Tanzanite Stadium in Manyara but was moved to Zanzibar on account of technical reasons, including incomplete infrastructure and security concerns. This will be the ninth Federation Cup final since the competition's return in the 2015/2016 season after a hiatus from 2003 to 2014.

With the final drawing near, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an intense and closely contested match. The winner will not only secure the championship title but also have the opportunity to redeem themselves after previous losses in the league.

Key Takeaways

• Yanga and Azam FC to clash in CRDB Federation Cup final on June 2, 2024.
• Yanga seeks redemption after league setbacks and Community Shield loss.
• Azam FC aims to avenge past losses to Yanga in the tournament.
• Match is a grudge match for Yanga after 2-1 league defeat to Azam FC.
• Winner will secure championship title and redeem themselves after league losses.