Federation Cup quarterfinals take center stage

The action kicks off on Sunday as Singida Big Stars play hosts to Mbeya City FC at the Liti Stadium in Singida.

Visitors Mbeya City FC are full of confidence after edging out Kagera Sugar on the road in the previous round, while Singida Big Stars are looking to advance to the semi-final to crown an impressive topflight debut season.

On Monday, Azam FC will be hoping to keep their dream of clinching the ASFC trophy alive when they take on Mtibwa Sugar in an evening kick-off at Azam Complex Stadium.

The 2019 ASFC winner, Azam FC, did away with fourth-tier club Mapinduzi FC with a 2-0 win last time out, while Mtbwa Sugar who won the title in 2018 dispatched Kinondoni Municipal Council FC 1-0.

Simba SC, who won the title in 2017, 2020, and 2021 will take on Ihefu SC. Due to Simba SC's engagement in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League, the match will be played on Friday.

Roberto Oliviera-coached Simba SC sent Coastal Union packing in the previous round with a 1-0 win while Ihefu SC eliminated Championship League side Pan African.

In the last quarterfinals match, Yanga, who are the reigning ASFC champions, will find themselves in action against Geita Gold FC at Azam Complex Stadium next Saturday in a repeat of last year’s quarterfinals clash.

The game will come just three weeks after Yanga came from behind to beat Geita Gold FC 3-1 in a league match at Azam Complex Stadium.

In last year’s quarterfinal clash, Yanga needed penalties to get past Geita Gold FC after they played out to a 1-1 draw.

In the previous round, Yanga claimed a comfortable 4-1 home victory over Tanzania Prisons, Geita God FC also eased to a 3-1 home win against Championship League side Green Warriors.

In the semi-finals, the winner of the last eight's match between Simba SC and Ihefu SC will face the winner of the last eight's duel between Azam FC and Mtibwa Sugar for a place in the final.

The winner of the match between Singida Big Stars and Mbeya City FC will face either Yanga or Geita Gold FC in the other semi-final game.

The semi-finals will be played across the weekend of April 29 and May 1 in Lindi and Mtwara.

The final will be played at Mkwakwani Stadium, with the showpiece taking place on June 3.

In addition to a trophy, medals for players and the technical bench, and 50m/- prize money, the winner of the ASFC earns a ticket to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.