The Higher Education Samia Cup has officially begun with an exciting start, as the NIT and TIA teams made strong openings in the tournament, which was launched yesterday at the JK Youth Park in Dar es Salaam.
NIT kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over DIT in a match held at the same venue.
In the 3rd minute, NIT took the lead with a goal from Mlumbila Mlumbila. The team extended their advantage in the 21st minute with a second goal from Teacher Teacher.
By the 30th minute, NIT had scored again, this time through Malagila, maintaining a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.
As the second half began, NIT further solidified their position with a fourth goal in the 56th minute, once again courtesy of Malagila.
However, DIT responded in the 63rd minute, scoring their first goal through Nduta. The team then added another in the 83rd minute, narrowing the gap to 4-2.
In a dramatic turn of events, DIT scored again in the 85th minute, bringing the score to 4-3 and sparking hopes of a possible comeback, with the goal coming from Erick.
In another match, IAA from Arusha suffered a 2-0 defeat in a game also played at the same venue.
Speaking at the event, Flora Mgonja, the Chief Administrative Officer at the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner’s office, praised the organizers for recognizing the contributions of women in higher education institutions. She expressed her gratitude for their efforts in promoting the sector.
Mgonja also congratulated the youth who participated in the competition, emphasizing their support for President Samia’s initiatives to improve the education sector and create better environments for higher learning.
"As we approach the general elections in October, young people, you are expected to be strong ambassadors for maintaining security and safety in our communities," Mgonja said.
Cornerio Swai, the organizer of the tournament from Conel Investment, explained that the event was designed to express gratitude to President Samia and communicate a powerful message through football.
Swai highlighted several significant improvements made under President Samia’s leadership, including increased student loans at various levels, including diploma programs, which were previously unavailable. He also mentioned improvements in teaching materials and curriculum development.
"We are proud of the President’s remarkable contributions to the education sector, and our slogan is 'Higher Education, we go with Mama. Thank you, Mama, for your continuous efforts to enhance the educational environment,'" Swai said. "We wanted to communicate this message through these games."
Mohamed Hajji, the Director of Twende and Mama Sports Promotion, emphasized their continued support for sports initiatives in various sectors, aiming to complement President Samia’s efforts to advance sports development.
"Supporting Mama’s initiatives is the reason we are here today. The students have seen the positive impact she has made, and they are showing their gratitude through action. Wherever Dr. Samia works to support the people, we stand with her," said Hajji.
Meanwhile, the tournament continues today with three exciting matches: ARU will face ITA, DUCE will compete against St. Joseph, and the final match of the day will feature IFM against KIUT.
