Zanzibar. The 2026 Mapinduzi Cup final between Azam and Yanga, played on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at Gombani Stadium in Pemba, was far from straightforward.
The match stretched to 120 minutes with no goals, and the winner was ultimately decided via a penalty shootout, in which Yanga’s dominance prevailed.
After 90 minutes, the score remained 0-0, and even with an additional 30 minutes of extra time, neither side could break the deadlock.
In the ensuing penalties, Yanga triumphed 5-4 over Azam.
During the shootout, Landry Zouzoua was the only player to miss, firing Azam’s third attempt wide after Yanga goalkeeper Aboutwalib Mshery made a decisive save.
Azam’s successful penalties were converted by Yahya Zayd, Twalibu Nuru, Sadio Kanoute, and Ngita Kamanya.
For Yanga, Emmanuel Mwanengo, Prince Dube, Pacome Zouzoua, Mudathir Yahya, and Bakari Mwamnyeto found the back of the net.
The 120 Minutes
The match, officiated by central referee Nasir Salum Siyah ‘Msomali’, with assistants Ally Ramadhan Rajab ‘Kibo’ and Ali Ahmada Mbwana ‘Kihonda’, saw a single red card shown to Azam’s Cheikna Diakite.
Diakite was sent off in the 73rd minute after receiving a second yellow for a foul on Kibwana Shomari, having already been booked in the 55th minute for fouling Dickson Job.
The first 15 minutes were cagey, with few attacks, as both sides probed each other’s defences.
By the 30th minute, the game was still subdued, with Yanga managing only one shot on goal from a free-kick by Pacome Zouzoua, saved comfortably by Aishi Manula.
Most of the first half was played in midfield, with both teams favouring their left flanks for attacking moves.
Yanga relied on Pacome Zouzoua and Chadrack Boka, while Azam went through Landry Zouzou and Cheikna Diakite.
Despite these efforts, neither side tested the goal significantly.
In the second half, both teams made substitutions. Azam replaced Feisal Othman with Alobogast Kyobya before kick-off in the second half.
Later, in the 68th minute, James Akaminko came off for Yahya Zayd, with Ngita Kamanya replacing Jephte Kitambala.
Yanga’s changes also came in the 68th minute: Edmund John replaced Celestine Ecua, Mohamed Hussein took Chadrack Boka’s place, and Duke Abuya came on for Mudathir Yahya.
In the 115th minute, Azam defender Twalibu Nuru committed a foul in a crucial defensive play, awarding a penalty to Yanga.
Pacome Zouzoua’s shot was saved by Aishi Manula, keeping Azam in contention.
This was Azam’s seventh final after lifting the trophy in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019, and losing to Simba in 2022.
Yanga, meanwhile, reached their fourth final after victories in 2007 and 2021 and a defeat to Simba in 2011.
After the tournament concluded, the organisers recognised outstanding performers for their contributions throughout the Mapinduzi Cup.
Maxi Nzengeli of Young Africans SC was named the most valuable player (MVP) for his consistent influence and decisive impact in Yanga’s campaign.
Aishi Manula of Azam FC received the best goalkeeper award for his impressive shot-stopping and composure between the posts.
The top scorer accolade went to Jephte Kitambala of Azam FC, who found the back of the net twice during the tournament.
Meanwhile, the best young player honour was awarded to Alobogast of Azam FC, recognising his emergence as a key young talent in the competition.
