The Zanzibar national football team, Zanzibar Heroes, made an impressive start to the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Kilimanjaro Stars of Tanzania Mainland.
The opening match was held today at Gombani Stadium on Pemba Island, Zanzibar.
The game’s decisive moment came in the 52nd minute when Feisal Salum scored the only goal, capitalizing on a well-timed opportunity.
His strike not only secured the victory but also marked the first goal of the 2025 tournament.
The match began with both teams displaying an aggressive style of play, but the first half ended in a goalless draw. Zanzibar Heroes stepped up their performance in the second half, maintaining their defensive solidity while seizing the chance to take the lead.
Despite Kilimanjaro Stars' efforts to equalize, they fell short, making them the first team to taste defeat in this year’s competition.
The Mapinduzi Cup action continues tomorrow, with Burkina Faso set to take on Kenya in an exciting clash scheduled for 8:15 PM at the same venue.