Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam. Young Africans SC (Yanga) have crowned their 2024/25 season in style by lifting the CRDB Bank Federation Cup title following a commanding 2-0 win over Singida Black Stars in a thrilling final played at the New Amaan Complex on Sunday June 29.
The victory, secured through goals from strikers Duke Abuya and Clement Mzize, marked the Jangwani giants’ fourth consecutive FA Cup triumph and fifth since the tournament’s reintroduction in the 2015/16 season—cementing their status as the most successful side in the competition’s modern era.
Abuya opened the scoring in the 39th minute, capitalising on a rebound after Singida’s goalkeeper Amas Obasogie had parried a cross from Israel Mwenda. The Kenyan international’s goal was his third of the tournament.
Moments after the restart from midfield, Mzize narrowly missed doubling the lead, his effort earning a corner that failed to yield results.
The first half remained a tight affair, with Yanga’s Khalid Aucho and Abuya engaged in a midfield tussle against Singida’s Mohamed Damaro and Morice Chukwu.
Just before the break, Yanga goalkeeper Djigui Diarra pulled off two crucial saves to deny efforts from Jonathan Sowah and Ande Koffi, sending his side into the interval with a slender 1-0 lead.
In a bid to turn the tide, Singida Black Stars’ head coach David Ouma made two changes at the start of the second half, introducing Ibrahim Imoro and Edmund John.
However, the tactical reshuffle failed to stem Yanga’s momentum.
Mzize found the net in the 50th minute after latching onto a low cross from Maxi Nzengeli to double Yanga’s advantage—his second goal in the competition.
The Jangwani-based club maintained pressure throughout the second half but were unable to add to their tally, thanks in part to a disciplined defensive display from Singida, particularly from right-back Ande Koffi, who effectively contained both Mzize and Pacome Zouzoua.
Referee Ahmed Arajiga was kept busy with persistent fouls, issuing several yellow cards.
Abuya and Aucho were among those cautioned, while Singida’s Sowah was sent off after receiving a second yellow in the 86th minute.
Mzize was named Man of the Match and awarded a Sh2 million cash prize for his outstanding performance.
Presidential recognition in Zanzibar
On Monday June 30, the Yanga delegation was hosted by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi at State House in Unguja.
In recognition of their achievements, Dr Mwinyi awarded the team Sh100 million, acknowledging their sporting excellence and contribution to Zanzibar’s visibility through the Visit Zanzibar campaign.
“Your achievements have elevated not only the club’s stature but also the image of Zanzibar. Through football, we are witnessing growth in tourism and economic activity,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He also assured that the government would continue to invest in improving sports infrastructure across the Isles to attract more competitions and maximise economic opportunities.
Yanga President Hersi Said Ali presented Dr Mwinyi with a special championship jersey and medal as a token of appreciation, pledging that the club would continue to stage select matches in Zanzibar as part of its engagement with fans countrywide.
Heroic welcome in Dar es Salaam
Upon their return to Dar es Salaam through Julius Nyerere International Airport, Yanga players and officials received a rapturous welcome from thousands of jubilant fans.
Unbothered by the sweltering sun, supporters flooded the streets, forming a colourful and noisy motorcade to escort the team through major city landmarks including Tazara, Karume, Msimbazi, and eventually the club’s headquarters at Jangwani.
Supporters danced, sang, and ran alongside the team’s branded open-roof bus, waving flags and celebrating what has been a season of unmatched domestic glory.
This season, Yanga have secured five major trophies: the Toyota Cup, Muungano Cup, Community Shield (Ngao ya Jamii), NBC Premier League title, and the CRDB Bank Federation Cup.
With silverware in hand and fans rallying behind them, Yanga close their season not only as champions, but as a club that continues to write new pages in Tanzanian football history.
