Yanga’s hope to end the season with piece of silverware dented as they have been knocked out of Confederation Cup by Singida United on penalties shoot-out.
The match was far from better like many expected following the heavy rains which started few minutes before the kick-off something which led the pitch to be filled with pounds of water that did not allow the ball to bounce and move well.
However, Yanga broke the deadlock in the 23th minute through Yusuph Mhilu who headed in the Ibrahim Ajib left foot corner. Kenny Ally levelled for the Singida based side one minute after the break to make the game even tough.
Shafiq Batambuzi and Kigi Makasi both had the chances to score the winning goal for Singida United but they were denied by goalkeeper Youthe Rostand while Yanga’s Ajib missed the best chance for his club after directing his header to goalkeeper Ally Mustapha's hands in the second half.
The game ended 1-1 after the final whistle and according to this tournament rule there is not chance for extra time, so both teams turn to penalty shoot-out.
Next Match
Singida United who managed by former Yanga's coach Dutchman Hans van Pluijm scored four of their five penalties through Shafiq Batambuzi, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Kenny Ally, and Elinywesia Sumbi while Maliki Antir’s spot was well saved by Yanga’s goalkeeper Rostand.
Meanwhile, Yanga’s Papy Tshishimbi and Emmanuel Martin disappointed the Jangwani fans after missing their respective spot kicks while Gadiel Michael and Kelvin Yondani scored.
Now Singida United will be the clear favorite to win the title and in the semi-final they will face a lower division team remaining in the tournament JKT Tanzania who knocked out Tanzania Prison on Saturday.
In another semi-final tie, Stand United who knocked out Njombe Mji on Friday will face Mtibwa Sugar who crushed out Azam on Saturday.
The Jangwani Boys who two weeks ago were knocked out of CAF Champions League by Botswana’s Township Rollers and relegated to CAF Confederation Cup will now turn their attention to face Ethiopia's Wolayta Dicha on April 6.
In the Ligi Kuu Yanga are behind the league leaders Simba only for goal differences while they have a match between them to decide the title on April 29. The Confederation Cup was their realistic chance to win the title this season.
