Today Third Place Gor Mahia Vs JKU – 2pm Final Azam FC Vs Simba SC – 5pm It will be an all-Tanzanian affair as defending champions Azam FC and Simba SC tussle it out Friday afternoon in the Cecafa Kagame Cup final at National Stadium – starting at 5pm. Rwanda international striker, Meddie Kagere scored lone goal in the 44th minute that sent Tanzanian champions Simba into the final after seeing off Zanzibar champions Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi (JKU) 1-0 in the semi-final at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. After sealing the final berth, former Rayon Sports and now Simba head coach Djuma Masudi believes that his side can win the title. “We have shown that we are capable to win against anyone, Friday is a good opportunity to prove it once more – when it matters most. We will go into game looking for nothing less than a victory. Azam are a strong opponent, my players need to be vigilant defensively and sharp in the attack,” the Burundian-born tactician said in a media briefing on Thursday. Ugandan-born Rwandan striker Kagere has netted three goals in four appearances for Simba barely a week after joining the side from Gor Mahia, and will be one of the players to watch. Simba face defending champions Azam FC, who beat Gor Mahia 2-0 after extra time in the other semi-final at the same venue. Besides lifting the trophy, champions of the two-week long regional tournament will be awarded USD 30,000 while first runners-up get USD 20,000. Prior to the much anticipated final, JKU play Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in the third-place playoff whose winner get USD 10,000. The prize money is courtesy of the continued sponsorship from Rwandan President H.E Paul Kagame since 2002. Simba eliminated Djibouti side AS Ports by a solitary goal in the quarter-final last sunday while JKU knocked out Singida United 4-3 on post-match penalties after a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes. Rwanda’s two representatives; Rayon Sports were knocked out by Azam with 4-2 in quarterfinals while APR were brushed off from group stages. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
