GIANTS Simba crashed out of the Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to visiting Coastal Union in their quarterfinal match at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
A brace by dead-ball specialist Yusuf Sabo secured the momentous victory for Ali Jangalu’s stuttering side against the pre-match favourites, Simba, who were reduced to ten-man after defender Novatus Lufunga was sent off in the second half.
With the win Coastal Union sealed a place in the last four to join Azam, Young Africans and Mwadui FC in the semifinal draw due tonight.
The eventual of the reinstated tournament will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. It means that Simba’s only chance to return to international competition is by winning the Premier League title.
The Msimbazi Street giants are currently leading the title race on 57 points from 24 games, but they face strong competition from holders Yanga (53 points from 22 games) and Azam FC (52 points from 23 games).
Probably Simba took lightly their visitors as Jackson Mayanja’s men approached the game casually. For the most part of the game Simba lacked passion and desire in their play and were made to pay for their complacency.
There was a few decent attacks from the hosts, one of them saw Ibrahim Hajib charge into the box before testing Coastal Union custodian Fikirini Bakari with a shot from tight angle after six minutes.
Coastal Union coach Jangalu said prior to kick-off that they would upset their opponents with a master game plan and his side resorted to solid defensive game, while counter-attacking whenever they were in possession of the ball.
Hassan Kessy drew a fine stop from Bakari with a decent free-kick from the edge of the box in the 11th minute and the home team passed another chance a minute later when Hajib failed to convert Emir Nimubona’s cross that had evaded Bakari in the Coastal Union goal.
Coastal Union broke the deadlock after 19 minutes thanks to Sabo’s superb free-kick. Union won a free-kick out wide and with Simba defence poorly organised, Sabo curled the ball in from 25 yards with Vicent Angban diving helplessly.
Simba upped their game after the half hour mark as they searched for the equaliser, but the striking force comprising of Hajib, Dan Lyanga and Said Ndemla struggled to break-down a resolute Union defence, marshalled by Adeyum Ahmed and Said Jeilan, Hamad Juma and Hamis Mbwana.
On resumption, Mayanja sent on Awadh Juma and Hamis Kiiza, replacing Ndemla and Justice Majabvi respectively.
The changes breathed fresh life into Simba’s attacks and after few attempts they pulled level through Kiiza, whose flick header off a Hajib cross beat Bakari after 47 minutes.
Coastal Union’s coach Jangalu sent on Ali Ahmed Shiboli, who alongside the impressive Juma Mahadhi caused Simba defence under Lufunga and Isihaka Hassan a lot of problems. But it was the Reds who were slightly enjoying possession albeit without creating enough clear-cut chances.
Awadhi Juma was denied by the post after unleashing a powerful low shot from distance. With the game heading for the final ten minutes both teams had clear chances to score the winner, first Shiboli raced clear into the box but he couldn’t beat Simba goalie Vincent Agban, who stopped the striker’s shot with his legs in the 82nd minute.
Then Kiiza had similar chance a few seconds later when he failed to score while one on one with Bakari.
Union launched a quick counter attack and Shiboli’s run into the box was halted by a reckless challenge by Lufunga, who was eventually sent off with Coastal Union awarded a penalty. Sabo made no mistake as he sent Agban the wrong way. Union held on for the win.
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