Dar es salaam giants Simba SC’s chances of participating in next year’s continental Championships were dealt a huge blow after they were bundled out of the Azam Sports Federation Cup by Tanga based Coastal Union.

Coastal Union took an early lead in the 20th minute when Cameroonian Yousouf Sabo free kick went straight to the corner leaving Simba keeper Ivorian Vincent Angban with no chance.

Wagosi wa Kaya as they are known held on firmly for a half time lead.

In the second half, second half substitute Hamis Kiiza who is the Vodacom leagues top scorer equalized for Simba in the 58th minute just minutes on the pitch.

Kenyan Paul Kiongera replaced Daniel Lyanga with both teams pressing for the winning goal. Simba’s Lufunga Novaty gifted the visitors with a precious chance to take the lead when he felled Ally Ahmed in the danger zone with himself seeing red. The resultant spot kick was netted by Cameroonian Yousouf Sabo.

Coastal Union held on until the last minute for the famous win. They join already qualified Yanga, Azam and Mwadui in the last four.

Azam reached the last four after a 3-1 win over Tanzania Prisons while Mwadui hit second tier Geita Gold 3-0.Yanga cruised past Nkana by a 2-1 goal margin.

The draw for the quarter finals will be staged tomorrow at 9am with Yanga hoping to avoid Azam in the last four.

The winner of the tournament will represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup which previously was represented by the second team in the league.

Simba squad

Vincent Angban,
Emery Nimubona, Mohammed
Hussein ‘Tshabalala’, Hassan Isihaka, Novaty Lufungo, Justice Majabvi/
Hamisi Kiiza 47min, Hassan Kessy, Jonas Mkude, Danny Lyanga, Ibrahim
Hajibu and Said Ndemla/Awadh juma 46min

Coastal Union;

Fikirini Bakari, Said Jeilan/Ally Ahmed ‘Shiboli’ 46min,
Mbwana Hamisi ‘Kibacha’, Abdulhahlim Humud, Twaha Ibrahim ‘Messi’,
Godfrey Wambura, Juma Mahadhi and Tumaini Mosha.

Elsewhere in the only Vodacom Premier League played today, Toto African lost at their backyard 1-2 to visiting Majimaji. The win sends Majimaji to the 8th position in the league 30 points after playing 26 matches with Toto Africans still at the 11th position with 27 points after similar matches.

Austin Oduor

talking African football