Tanzanian Giants Threaten League Exit After…

Simba’s League Rivals Threaten Withdrawal. Photo: Gallo Images

Azam FC have threatened to withdraw from the Tanzanian Premier League entirely following their defeat to Steve Barker’s Simba in the CRDB Bank Federation Cup.

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Barker led Simba to a historic cup double with a 1-0 victory over their Premier League rivals at the weekend, a game where Azam were left furious with some of the decisions made during the game.

The result ensured that The Bakers’ barren trophy run continues following their Mapinduzi Cup victory in 2019.

Withdrawal Threat

According to Pan-Africa Football, Azam FC owner Jama Kahresa could not hide his frustrations over the way the game played out.

“We have invested heavily in Tanzanian football, but if the Tanzania Football Federation and the League Board do not want us in this league, they should just tell us directly so we can go find another league to participate in,” Bakhresa said.

Azam finished the league season in third spot and secured a place in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, but the defeat meant it was a missed opportunity to end their trophy drought.

Frustrations Boil Over

Simba took the lead in the 61st minute when Ellie Mpenza’s cross was turned into the net by Azam’s Yahya Zayd, and any hopes of a comeback were ended after Azam were reduced to 10-men.

Former Kaizer Chiefs target and Azam talisman Feisal Salum was dismissed in the 68th-minute for an elbow on Simba striker Libasse Gueye.

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Emotions took their toll on the players and technical team as they stayed behind in the dressing room during the medal ceremony, with the club’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) collecting the medals on his team’s behalf.

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