• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 hrs ago

Bajaber wins first trophy as Simba beat Yanga in Muungano Cup final

Harambee Stars forward Mohamed Bajaber has lifted his first trophy with Simba SC after they edged rivals Young Africans SC 1-0 in a dramatic Muungano Cup final.

The tightly contested match was played on Wednesday at the New Amaan Complex Stadium, where the famous Kariakoo Derby once again lived up to its billing as one of East Africa’s biggest rivalries.

Bajaber started on the bench and was introduced late in extra time, coming on in the 105th minute to boost Simba’s attack. Though he had limited minutes, the Kenyan forward played his part as the match pushed toward a tense finish.

The game remained goalless after 90 minutes, with both sides showing strong defense and determination. The breakthrough finally came deep into extra time when Selemani Mwalimu calmly scored from the penalty spot in the 124th minute. The penalty was awarded after a foul on Clatous Chama inside the box.

It was a moment of joy for Bajaber, but heartbreak for fellow Kenyan Duke Abuya, who missed out on the title with Yanga.

The victory was also sweet revenge for Simba, who had lost last year’s final to Yanga by the same scoreline.

This time, Simba turned the tables and claimed the trophy, drawing level with their rivals as seven-time winners of the competition.

Coached by Steve Barker, Simba had a strong run in the tournament, beating Mafunzo FC 1-0 in the quarter-finals before thrashing Mlandege 3-0 in the semi-finals.

The Muungano Cup, which brings together top teams from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, celebrates unity between the two regions. This year’s edition marked 60 years since the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

For their victory, Simba walked away with TzS150 million (about Sh7.4 million), capping off a successful campaign—and a special night for Bajaber, who now has his first piece of silverware in professional football.