Lipuli hit Yanga to reach FA Cup final

Dar es Salaam. Paul Nonga and Dalueshi Saliboko scored a goal apiece as Lipuli FC stunned Young Africans 2-0 to set up Azam Federation Cup final against Azam FC.

The odds were skewed in favour of Lipuli and even the wet conditions at Samora Stadium in Iringa did little to make life difficult for the hosts.

Nonga capitalised on a goalmouth melee to break the stalemate in the 27th minute with a sizzling shot that gave goalkeeper Klaus Kindoki no chance.

Saliboko doubled the hosts’ lead in the 38th minute after he was set up by Haruna Shamte.

It was the second defeat for the Jangwani Street giants in nearly two months at the Samora Stadium.

On March 1, they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Selemani Matola’s men in the Mainland Premier League clash at the same venue.

Lipuli will face Azam FC in the final on June 2 at Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in Mtwara.

The winner of the tournament also known as FA Cup, will represent the country in the Africa Confederation Cup. They will also get Sh50 million from.

Despite a relatively sensational season, Yanga’s chances of winning a trophy are fading.

To have any hope of a league title, they must hope that Simba’s winning run in the top flight comes to an end.

The Msimbazi Reds, who beat Tanzania Prisons 1-0 at the Sokoine Memorial Stadium in Mbeya on Sunday, have been notching up wins almost at will this season.

Line ups:

Lipuli FC: Yusuph Mohammed, Haruna Shamte, Paul Ngalema, William Lucian , Ally Sonso, Freddy Tangalu, Miraj Athumani/Novaty Lufunga (81st), Jimmy Shoji, Paul Nonga, Dariwesh Saliboko and Zawadi Mauya/Steven Maganga (89th).

Young Africans: Klaus Kindoki, Paul Godfrey, Mwinyi Haji/Kelvin Yondani, Andrew Vincent, Abdallah Shaibu, Feisal Salumu, Mrisho Ngasa, Mohamed Banka/Amissi Tambwe (47th), Heritier Makambo, Ibrahim Ajibu/Juma Abdul (60th) and Pappy Tshishimbi.