Bajaber lifts maiden silverware with Simba in Muungano Cup

Harambee Stars forward Mohamed Bajaber marked a significant milestone in his budding career after clinching his first piece of silverware with Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club, following their hard-fought 1-0 triumph in the Muungano Cup on Wednesday, 29 April.

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It was, however, a night of mixed fortunes for Kenyan exports, as compatriot Duke Abuya endured heartbreak, missing out on the coveted title in a tense and fiercely contested final.

The showdown, staged at the New Amaan Complex Stadium, lived up to its billing as one of East Africa’s fiercest rivalries, the Kariakoo Derby with Simba squaring off against arch-rivals Young Africans Sports Club.

The clash lived up to expectations, ultimately stretching into extra time after both sides failed to break the deadlock in regulation.

Bajaber, who started on the bench, was introduced late into the contest, in the 105th minute, tasked with injecting energy into Simba’s attack as the match edged toward a dramatic conclusion.

Despite limited minutes, his presence was significant during the decisive moment of the clash.

In a contest defined by grit and derby bragging rights on the line, neither side yielded easily.

The breakthrough finally arrived deep into extra time, six minutes from the end, when Selemani Mwalimu calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 124th minute.

The decisive moment followed a foul on Zambian forward Clatous Chama inside the box, handing Simba the opportunity they had long pursued.

The victory carried added significance for Simba, who exacted revenge for last year’s defeat to Yanga by the same margin, a loss that had seen their rivals crowned 2025 champions.

This time, Simba turned the tables in emphatic fashion, reaffirming their stature on the regional stage.

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The Muungano Cup, an eight-team tournament featuring top sides from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, including Azam FC, Singida Black Stars, KVZ FC, Mwembe Makumbi, Mlandege FC, and Mafunzo FC, serves as a symbolic celebration of unity.

The competition commemorates the historic union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, with this year’s edition marking 60 years since the formation of Tanzania.

Simba’s path to glory was commanding

Under head coach Steve Barker, they opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mafunzo FC in the quarter-finals before delivering a dominant 3-0 win against Mlandege FC in the semi-finals to set up the final showdown against Yanga.

Beyond lifting the trophy, Simba’s triumph saw them draw level with Yanga as seven-time winners of the competition, further intensifying their storied rivalry.

The champions were also rewarded handsomely, pocketing TzS150,000,000 (approximately Ksh7.4 million), capping off a memorable campaign.