KINONDONI Municipal Council (KMC) FC’s turbulent season took another damaging turn on Tuesday evening after they were knocked out of the Federation Cup, becoming the first Mainland Premier League side to exit this year’s competition.

The Kinondoni-based club suffered a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to First League outfit Bandari Tanzania following a dramatic 3-3 draw in regulation time at the KMC Complex in Mwenge.

The result not only ended KMC’s hopes of silverware this season but further highlighted the deep struggles the club continues to endure both in knockout football and in the Premier League campaign. 

Facing a side from the second tier formerly known as the Second Division, KMC were widely expected to progress. However, defensive frailties that have plagued them throughout the season resurfaced once again. After 90 minutes of open football produced six goals, the contest was decided from the penalty spot, where Bandari held their nerve to seal a famous victory. 

For KMC, the elimination is symbolic of a campaign that has spiralled into crisis. The club’s Federation Cup exit mirrors their alarming domestic league form, where they currently sit near the bottom of the Mainland Premier League table. 

After 15 league matches, KMC have managed just two wins, two draws and suffered 11 defeats. They have scored only five goals while conceding 23, leaving them with a goal difference of minus 18 and just eight points. 

Such numbers are highly unusual for a club of KMC’s stature in the top flight, particularly at the halfway stage of the season. With only eight points collected in the first round, the club now faces a very real threat of relegation. 

KMC began the campaign under coach Maximo Maximo, but results failed to materialise. In the 10 matches he oversaw, the team struggled to find consistency and confidence, leading to his departure as management sought to reverse the downward trajectory.

 Mohamed Abdallah Bares (pictured) was brought in with hopes of sparking a turnaround. However, the improvement has been limited. In five league matches under Bares, KMC have collected just four points winning one, drawing one and losing three.

 Their recent results paint a troubling picture. KMC fell 1-0 to Namungo, lost 2-1 against Dodoma Jiji FC, and were beaten 2-0 by Simba SC. Their only victory in that run came in a narrow 1-0 win over Mashujaa FC, while they secured a 1-1 draw against Coastal Union.

 While the performances have shown glimpses of effort and tactical adjustment, the outcomes have not been enough to lift the club out of the relegation zone.

 Following the Federation Cup elimination, KMC’s information and communication officer, Khalid Chukuchuku, admitted the club is going through a difficult phase but insisted that neither the players nor the management have lost belief.

 “It is true we are going through a very difficult time right now, but we are not giving up,” Chukuchuku said after the match. “We believed we would win against Bandari FC, but it did not happen that way.”

 He called on supporters to remain patient and continue backing the team despite the disappointing results.

 “I want to ask KMC fans not to lose hope. The team, the technical bench and the leadership understand the challenges we are facing, and we will fight to make sure the team remains in the Premier League,” he added.

 His comments reflect a club aware of its precarious position but determined to salvage what remains of the season.

 Despite their poor record, KMC’s situation is not yet beyond repair. The gap between them and the teams immediately above Fountain Gate FC, Tanzania Prisons and Singida Black Stars is just four points.

 This relatively small margin offers a glimmer of hope. A short run of positive results could significantly alter their standing and potentially lift them out of the relegation zone.

 However, time is running out. Defensive vulnerabilities, lack of goals and managerial instability have combined to place enormous pressure on the squad as the second half of the season approaches.

 For a club that once aspired to establish itself as a stable top flight competitor, the current campaign has become a battle for survival. With the Federation Cup dream now over, KMC must channel all their focus and energy into securing their Premier League status.

 Whether they can mount a successful escape will depend not only on tactical improvements but also on resilience something their spokesperson insists the club still possesses.