Egyptian referees to officiate Yanga-Simba SC title decider
What you need to know:
Omar is no stranger to Tanzanian football fans, having previously officiated matches involving both Yanga and Simba in continental competition
Dar es Salaam. For the first time in history, the fiercely contested Kariakoo Derby between Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba Sports Club will be officiated by a team of referees from Egypt, marking a significant moment in Tanzanian football.
The high-stakes Mainland Tanzania Premier League encounter will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with kick-off set for 5pm East Africa Time.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has appointed Amin Mohamed Amin Omar from Egypt as the centre referee for this highly anticipated match.
Omar is no stranger to Tanzanian football fans, having previously officiated matches involving both Yanga and Simba in continental competitions.
For Yanga, Omar was the match official in their CAF Confederation Cup clash against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on March 30, 2024.
That match ended in a goalless draw and was praised for its high level of competitiveness and refereeing quality.
On the other hand, Simba fans will recall Omar’s involvement in their CAF Champions League fixture against Horoya AC of Guinea on February 11, 2023.
The match, played in Guinea, ended in a 1-0 loss for Simba.
Joining Omar on the officiating team are three of his compatriots: Mahmoud Ahmed Abo El Regal, who will serve as the first assistant referee; Samir Gamal Saad Mohamed, appointed as the second assistant referee; and Ahmed Mahrous Elghandour, who will serve as the fourth official.
All four officials are seasoned professionals with experience in top-level African football.
The match commissioner will be Salim Omary Singano from Tanga, while the referee’s assessor is Alli Mohamed from Somalia.
Their roles will be crucial in ensuring the match is conducted with the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.
The appointment of Egyptian referees underscores the importance and magnitude of the Kariakoo Derby, widely regarded as the biggest fixture in Tanzanian club football.
With the league title potentially on the line, Wednesday’s clash promises to deliver excitement, intensity, and passion in equal measure.
As both teams continue their final preparations, the involvement of international match officials is expected to boost confidence in the neutrality and integrity of the game.
Fans from across the region are expected to flock to the stadium and follow the match live, making it one of the most-watched derbies in recent memory.
