Tanzanian football served up a dramatic climax to the 2024/25 season as the fiercely contested Kariokor Derby between Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Simba SC determined the league winner in the final matchday. Heading into the last fixture, Yanga led the Tanzania Premier League standings with 79 points from 29 games, closely trailed by arch-rivals Simba who were on 78 points.
Originally scheduled earlier, the derby had been controversially postponed after Simba refused to honor the fixture over issues relating to stadium access, prompting the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to reschedule the match as a final-day decider.
In a move underscoring the gravity and intensity of the occasion, TFF appointed an all-Egyptian officiating team to ensure neutrality and high-level management. The team included Amin Mohammed as center referee, Mahmoud Ahmed and Samir Gamal as assistant referees, with Ahmed Mahrous serving as the fourth official. The match was held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium under tight security and intense national focus.
Yanga rose to the occasion in front of a packed stadium, defeating Simba 2-0 to clinch the league title in emphatic fashion. A first-half penalty from Ivorian playmaker Pacôme Zouzoua settled early nerves before young star Clement Mzize doubled the lead, sending the green and yellow faithful into ecstasy.
The champions’ victory was built on an intense and relentless high pressing game that denied Simba the space and time to build any rhythm. Yanga’s ability to regain possession high up the pitch left their rivals rattled and unable to cope with the pressure.
The result sealed a fourth consecutive league title for Yanga and their 31st overall, further cementing their status as Tanzania’s most successful club. For Simba, it was a bitter end to a hard-fought campaign, falling short of both the title and the Kariokor Derby bragging rights to their perennial rivals on the final day.
Final Table standings
