Federation Cup: Young Africans and Simba kept apart in quarters draw

The draw for the quarterfinals of the CRDB Federation Cup in Tanzania was conducted on Friday with rivals Young Africans and Simba SC avoiding each other.

In the draw, defending champions Yanga will face JKT Tanzania while Simba will have to navigate their passage to the last four against TRA United.

Azam FC to face Mashujaa FC

In other matches, Coastal Union will take on Singida Black Stars, while Mashujaa FC will take on Florent Ibenge led Azam FC. The fixture will be played in the weekend of March 16 and 17.

According to the draw, the winner between Simba and TRA will face the winner of the match between Coastal Union and Singida in the semifinals.

Elsewhere, the winner of the match between JKT Tanzania and Yanga will face the winner between Mashujaa and Azam, a move that is expected to provide a tough competition towards the final of the tournament.

 

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Meanwhile, Simba Media Officer Ahmed Ally has called on the club’s supporters to remain calm and patient despite recent shifts in the Mainland Premier League standings, insisting the title race is far from decided.

“Just like the exchange rate fluctuates during the day, the league table can also shift quickly,” said Ally as quoted by the Guardian.

“You might see one situation in the morning and a completely different one in the evening. That’s the nature of football competition.”

On the gap between Simba and Young Africans, who are sitting at the summit, he said: “This gap will continue to change. It can go back to just one point, and Simba can return to the top of the table,” he said. “That is exactly what we are working towards as a club.

“We understand the expectations of our fans, but this is the time for patience. As leadership and the technical bench, we know what needs to be done to reduce that gap.”

Ally concluded: “Our plans as a club are solid, and everything we are doing is aimed at ensuring Simba returns to where it belongs at the top.”

Federation Cup quarterfinals draw;

Coastal Union vs Singida Black Stars
Simba SC vs TRA United
JKT Tanzania vs Young Africans
Mashujaa FC vs Azam FC