The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Majuto Omary
25 July 2008
Simba's Nigerian import teenager Emeh Izechukwu explode into tears as coach Krasimir Bezinski ( partly hidden consoles him after missing a penalty during yesterday's semi final clash against Uganda Revenue Authority at the New national Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. URA stormed into the Sunday's final by a 1-0 victory.
The possibility of restricting the Kagame Cup title from crossing Tanzania territorial borders banks heavily on Mainland champions Yanga after seven times champions Simba crashed out of the run yesterday.
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) stamped their ultimate authority after knocking out Simba by a killer goal in the semi final clash played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
After a barren draw in regulation time, Eric Obua powered URA into Sunday's final with a shocking second half of the extra time onslaught, connecting Jackson Ssebabulya's cross from the right flank.
Perhaps another URA player who deserves a pat on the back is towering custodian Obey Dhaira who stood firm between the posts to save a penalty that would have given Simba a life line at closing stages.
Simba's Nigerian teenage import Emeh Izechukwu broke into tears when his penalty shot was saved by Dhaira barely two minutes before the final whistle.
After conceding Obua's lucky goal Simba staged a fight back and successfully won a penalty only for the Nigerian teenager to throw overboard the golden opportunity.
In bizarre twist of events Simba's flambouyant and vocal coach Jamhuri Kihwelu shunned the post match interview.
URA lost to APR during last year's Kagame Cup held in Kigali, now await the winner of today's semi final clash between Yanga and Tusker FC from Kenya.
During yesterday's semi final clash, Simba looked well organized in attacks as URA played cautiously to defend their goal and some times resorting to time wasting.
Two minutes after resumption Simba's Musa Hassan saw his shot sailing over the cross bar with Dhaira at his mercy.
Seven minutes later Nigerian import Orbina Orji shot wide at close range yet for another miss.
URA's Martin Muwanga was on his way to score after 69 minutes only for Simba's defender Meshack Abel to react with quick and timely reflex.
URA looked highly confident as time was running out with clear intention of looking for a draw while banking on competence of their goalkeeper, Dhaira.
Izechukwu would have wrapped up the winner for Simba with just a minute to regulation time when he shot wide much to the disappointment of home fans.
Three times winners Yanga take on Tusker FC at the same venue today becoming the only home side still in contention after the elimination of Simba and Miembeni FC.
Should Yanga cruise into the final, coach Dusan Kondic knows the gravity of the match against the Ugandan side that has never tested defeat in the championships.
Simba:
Aman Simba, Antony Matangalu/Emeh Izechukwu, Ramadhan Waso, Kelvin Yondani, meshak Abel, Henry Joseph, Mohamed Banka/Ulimboka Mwakingwe, Nico Nyagawa, Obina Orji/Adam King'wande, Musa Hassan, Ramadhan Chombo,
URA:
Obbey Dhaira, Johnson Bagoole, Marco Kawessa, Owino, Joseph, Kyobe David/Jackson ssenabulya, Kigozi Ismail, Okello Robert/Martin Muwanga, Dan Wagaluka, Martin Muwanga/Eric Obua, Musa Doca, Henri Kiseka, Samuel Mubiru.
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