AZAM and Young Africans will meet in the Federation Cup final for the second successive year when they clash at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar tomorrow evening, kick-off at 8:15 PM.

The two sides may have been polar opposites in terms of success in recent years, but having both now reached this fixture in successive years, 2024 marks the first time that the Federation Cup final has been contested by the same two clubs in back-to-back seasons.

Young Africans, who have already sealed a record-extending 30th league title, will be hoping to secure their fourth triumph in the Federation Cup, having won it in 2016, 2022 and 2023 since it was re-launched in the 2015/2016 season.

They could complete the league title and Federation Cup double for the third time in a row, something that has never been achieved previously in the history of Tanzanian football.

Wananchi booked the final spot after an extra-time 1-0 win over Ihefu in a semi-final match played at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha barely two weeks ago.

Stephane Aziz Ki’s 101th-minute goal was the decisive moment as Miguel Gamondi’s men progressed to the final to face Azam for a second successive season. 

It is also their fourth final in a row.

In the Federation Cup early rounds, Young Africans thrashed non-league side Hausung 5-1 in the first game before crushing Championship side Polisi Tanzania 5-0 in the round of 32 played in April. In the quarter final they beat Tabora United 3-0.

Gamondi’s men are unbeaten in their previous 14 matches across all competitions. They have won all their last nine games.

Unbeaten in the Federation Cup since 2021, Gamondi’s men will back themselves to secure another domestic double.

On the other side, Azam are out for revenge and are seeking to get their hands on the domestic cup for a second time.

Azam made it to the final following a comprehensive 3-0 semifinal victory over Coastal Union. They thrashed Namungo 4-1 in the quarter-finals. 

They also beat Alliance, Green Warriors and Mtibwa Sugar in this season's Federation Cup.

Youssouph Dabo charges go into this game with the confidence of being the last team to beat Young Africans this season. 

Azam triumphed 2-1 against Young Africans in a reverse league played in March.

The Senegalese coach will hope his key players Feisal Salum, Kire Junior and Gibril Sillah are in fine form to beat the resilient Young Africans’ backline.

The final is set to captivate fans due to the high quality of both teams this season. Azam finished second in the Premier League, earning a spot in the CAF Champions League for the first time since the 2014/2015 season. 

On the other hand, Young Africans demonstrated their dominance by winning their third consecutive Premier League title.

The final marks the fourth appearance for Azam in the Federation Cup since 2015. They have faced Young Africans twice before in the finals but failed to win on both occasions. 

The first meeting was on May 25, 2016, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where Young Africans triumphed 3-1 with goals from Amissi Tambwe (two goals) and Deus Kaseke, while Didier Kavumbagu scored for Azam 

Last season, the two teams met again in the final held on June 12 at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, where Azam lost 1-0 to a goal from Zambian player Kennedy Musonda.

Expectations are high for the final, with top players from both sides having standout seasons. Young Africans’ Aziz Ki, the Premier League’s top scorer with 21 goals, will be a key player for Azam to watch. 

Similarly, Azam’s Salum ‘Fei Toto’, who contributed 19 league goals this season, will be a crucial player in the final.

Clement Mzize, Young Africans’ striker and the club’s top scorer in the Federation Cup with five goals, expressed confidence ahead of the match. 

“As players, we are very positive about the final. We are confident and came here to win the tournament,” Mzize stated. 

Reflecting on his role as the team’s top scorer and his ambitions for the final, he added: “I know that I need to add goals to become the top scorer in this cup, but the team comes first. If I get a chance to play, I need to help the team first.”

Both teams will also face each other in the opening match of the next season for the Community Shield, adding another layer of anticipation to their rivalry.

As fans eagerly await the final, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive match that could see Young Africans clinch their fourth title or Azam securing their second victory in the Federation Cup.