A major Tanzanian football rivalry will take centre stage tomorrow when Young Africans Sports Club (Young Africans SC) meet Azam Football Club (Azam FC) in the semi-final of the Union Cup at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The encounter is expected to deliver high intensity and strong competition as both sides battle for a place in the final of one of the region’s key football tournaments.
Yanga head coach Pedro Goncalves has acknowledged the strength of Azam FC, describing them as a well-organised side with quality players across all departments.
He said his team is fully aware of the challenge ahead and has prepared with seriousness and discipline despite a demanding schedule that includes domestic league duties alongside the tournament.
Goncalves added that Yanga’s focus is on maintaining consistency and delivering a strong performance that matches the expectations of their supporters in such an important knockout fixture.
On the Azam FC side, head coach Florent Ibenge expressed confidence in his squad, saying the team is in good shape both mentally and physically.
He praised his players for their recent performances and stressed that they are determined to carry that momentum into the semi-final.
Ibenge noted that matches between top teams like Yanga and Azam are always highly competitive, adding that his side is fully prepared for a tactical and physical battle as they aim to secure a place in the final.
Azam goalkeeper Zuber Foba also struck a confident tone, saying the team has come to compete at the highest level and is focused on winning the tournament.
He emphasized that lifting the Union Cup would be a strong statement of their ambition and consistency.
The match at New Amaan Complex is expected to draw significant attention from fans across the country, with both giants of Tanzanian football aiming to edge closer to silverware in what promises to be a fiercely contested semi-final.
