Zanzibar. Yanga SC etched a new chapter in Tanzanian football history on Thursday, May 1, 2025, by clinching a record seventh Muungano Cup title with a narrow yet decisive 1-0 victory over Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi (JKU SC) in Pemba, Zanzibar.
The Mainland Tanzania champions secured the win in a tightly contested final at Gombani Stadium, which drew a large crowd from both sides of the Union, eager to witness the revival of one of the country’s most symbolic football tournaments.
The decisive moment came just before halftime, when Congolese international winger Max Nzengeli slotted home following brilliant wing play and a pinpoint assist from Farid Mussa.
That goal proved enough to settle the fiercely contested final and secure Yanga’s place in the Muungano Cup record books.
By clinching their seventh title, Yanga SC not only surpassed their own previous record but also became the most successful club in the history of the tournament, which was revived last year after years of dormancy.
Midfield maestros Stephane Aziz Ki and Mudathir Yahya controlled the central areas throughout the match, helping Yanga dominate possession with 62 percent and complete over 350 passes at an impressive 87 percent accuracy rate.
Beyond the pitch, the Muungano Cup celebrated national unity, bringing together teams from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar as a tribute to the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, established on April 26, 1964.
This year’s edition featured a vibrant lineup of clubs, including Yanga, Azam FC, Singida BS, KMKM, Zimamoto, and JKU.
With this latest triumph, Yanga now stand alone atop the Muungano Cup’s history, surpassing arch-rivals Simba SC, who have six titles to their name.
The victory also serves as a timely morale boost ahead of Yanga’s remaining three league fixtures.
Head coach Miloud Hamdi emphasized on Thursday that the result provides crucial momentum for the club’s league and FA Cup ambitions.
The Muungano Cup officially came to an end today, with outstanding performers recognized for their contributions throughout the tournament.
Ahmed Issa Haji of JKU was named Best Goalkeeper, having shown exceptional consistency and form between the posts.
Max Nzengeli of Yanga SC received the Top Scorer Award with two goals.
He was tied with Fredy Seleman of JKU, but according to tournament regulations, priority is given to goals scored in the final.
Nzengeli netted the only goal in the championship match — securing the title for Yanga and earning him the individual accolade.
His first goal came in the semi-final against Zimamoto of Zanzibar.
Mudathir Yahya of Yanga SC was crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for his commanding presence in midfield and his crucial role in Yanga’s title-winning campaign.
Each award winner received a cash prize of TSh 500,000 in recognition of their remarkable efforts on the field.
This year’s Muungano Cup has been widely praised both administratively and competitively, rekindling the spirit of football unity between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and the Zanzibar Football Association (ZFA) have pledged to make it an annual event, aiming to further strengthen the bond between the two regions.
Yanga SC’s 2025 Muungano Cup triumph adds a prestigious new chapter to their legacy, reinforcing their rise as a continental powerhouse with growing influence on and off the pitch.
