Pemba. Many battles are expected to unfold this Tuesday as Azam face Young Africans (Yanga) in the final of the 2026 Mapinduzi Cup at Gombani Stadium on Pemba Island.
This will be the first time Azam and Yanga meet in a Mapinduzi Cup final since the tournament officially began in 2007 with the inclusion of teams from outside Zanzibar.
Although this is not the first time either side has reached the final or lifted the trophy, this encounter promises a different flavour as the two giants clash.
Several Mapinduzi Cup finals have previously involved Mainland teams. Azam have only played Simba in the final, while Yanga have faced Mtibwa Sugar and Simba.
A midfield looms
The tactical approaches of the two head coaches, Florent Ibenge of Azam and Pedro Goncalves of Yanga, are expected to produce an entertaining contest, judging by performances from the group stage to the semi-finals.
Azam have only once fallen behind in a match, but reorganised well to equalise and eventually win. On another occasion, Azam took the lead but were pegged back for a draw. Yanga, on the other hand, have neither conceded nor fallen behind in any match so far.
This has largely been due to the coaches’ effective use of central midfielders to keep their teams solid throughout matches.
Yanga have relied on Mohamed Damaro and Duke Abuya in deeper midfield roles, with Maxi Nzengeli operating further forward. At times, Damaro and Abuya alternate attacking responsibilities.
However, Damaro will miss today’s match after receiving a red card in the semi-final against Singida Black Stars, opening the door for Mudathir Yahya, who has recently recovered from injury.
Azam have missed Sadio Kanoute in their last three matches due to injury, but he trained with the team in the final session, suggesting he could feature. In his absence, captain Himid Mao and James Akaminko have dominated midfield impressively and may continue their partnership, which has been instrumental in reaching the final.
With Abuya captaining Yanga and supported by Mudathir and Maxi, while Akaminko and Himid marshal Azam’s midfield, the centre of the pitch is expected to be fiercely contested.
In attack, both teams use wide areas, but each favours a different flank. Azam attack mainly down the right through Nathaniel Chilambo and Cheikna Diakité, and they are also strong from set-pieces, something Simba coach Steve Barker acknowledged after losing 1–0 from a corner situation.
Yanga’s attacking strength lies on the left, where Pacome Zouzoua and Chadrack Boka operate. Both teams also build through the middle before spreading play wide.
Match winners
Azam striker Jephte Kitambala is the leading remaining goalscorer in the tournament with two goals and will be their key attacking threat in the final.
Yanga’s defence must be wary, as Kitambala has been dangerous since joining the club this season. He has already scored against Simba in the league and will face Yanga for the first time.
Zidane Sereri, who partners Kitambala up front, has also scored once and is no stranger to big matches, having netted against Simba last season.
For Yanga, Pacome Zouzoua has both scored and assisted and remains a major creative threat. Maxi Nzengeli, a two-time Man of the Match winner in the tournament, has also scored and continues to show his influence.
Overall, both sides have clear tasks: Azam, who have scored six goals in four matches, must break down a Yanga defence that has yet to concede in three matches. However, Azam have scored in every game they have played.
Yanga, meanwhile, will aim to preserve their clean-sheet record while also scoring to maintain their own run of goals in every match.
Record and revenge
Azam are chasing a record-extending sixth Mapinduzi Cup title after lifting the trophy in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Yanga are targeting their third title, having won in 2007 against Mtibwa Sugar and in 2021 against Simba.
This is Yanga’s fourth Mapinduzi Cup final appearance (2007, 2011, 2021 and 2026), while Azam are appearing in their seventh final, having won five of the last six, losing only in 2022 to Simba.
Although this is the first Mapinduzi Cup final between the two sides, they last met in a final during the FA Cup, played in Zanzibar on June 2, 2024, at the New Amaan Complex. Yanga won 6–5 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Azam now have a chance to avenge that defeat on Zanzibar soil.
For the coaches, Yanga’s Pedro Goncalves is seeking his first trophy with the club, while Azam’s Florent Ibenge is also aiming to lift his first title since joining Azam.
The road to the final
Azam, in Group A, began their campaign with a 1–1 draw against Singida Black Stars, then beat Mlandege 2–0 and URA 2–1. In the semi-final, they edged Simba 1–0.
Yanga, from Group C, won all their matches, beating KVZ 3–0, TRA United 1–0, and Singida Black Stars 1–0 in the semi-final.
Final challenges
Several players may miss the final due to injuries sustained during the tournament, potentially leading to new faces taking their place.
Azam’s Sadio Kanoute remains a doubt depending on his recovery. Yanga face uncertainty over Lassine Kouma and Aziz Andabwile, while Damaro is suspended.
Damaro’s absence leaves a gap in defensive midfield, forcing Goncalves to reshuffle, possibly deploying Duke Abuya or Mudathir Yahya. Mousa Bala Conte has been shifted to centre-back due to injuries, while Frank Assinki remains the only consistent central defender, meaning defensive changes are likely.
