ByAzam 1-0 Simba

A stunning 30 yard free kick by Tanzanian international Himid Mao was the difference as Azam edged Simba by a goal to nil to lift the Mapinduzi cup

The match played in floodlights at the Amaan stadium In Zanzibar was played at a capacity crowd

In the match well handled by Mafume Ali Nassor ,Simba had a great chance to score but Abdi Banda ‘s great chance was parried away by Aisha Manula

On loan Zesco forward Juma Luizio found penetrating the Azam defence so difficult but the introduction of Burundian Laudit Mavugo added some punch upwards

This was Azams third Mapinduzi cup having won the 2012 and 2013, equalling Simba’s record of 2008, 2011 and 2015.

Azam stand in coach Iddi Nassor ‘Cheche’ who replaced sacked Spaniard Zeben Hernandez Rodriguez put a spirited fight going unbeaten and without conceding a goal , a record for one tournament

Zanzibar President Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein rewarded Azam with $50,000 for winning the title with Simba getting $25,000

The win will boost the ice cream makers who now shift their attention in the Vodacom league where they are third

Aishi Manula was declared the best keeper while Zimbabwean Method Mwanjali of Simba won the best defender category.Simon Msuva top scorer

Azam FC :Aishi Manula, Shomary Kapombe, Gadiel Michael, Aggrey Morris, Yakubu Mohammed, Stephan Kingue,Salum Abubakar ‘Sure Boy’, Himid Mao/Enock Atta Agyei 82′, John Bocco, Yahya Mohammed/Mudathir Yahya 68’ and Joseph Mahundi

Simba SC: Daniel Agyei, Janvier Bokungu, Mohammed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’, James Kotei, Method Mwanjali, Shiza Kichuya/Jamal Mnyate 76, Juma Luizio, Muzamil Yassin/Pastory Athanas 71 na Mwinyi Kazimoto/Laudit Mavugo