A late extra time penalty was enough to earn 22 times Tanzania Premier League winners Simba SC a 1-0 Muungano Cup 2026 victory over arch-rivals and defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on Wednesday night, April 29th, 2026.
Simba SC needed a late penalty in the extra 30 minutes to win the finals to marks the first piece of silverware for head coach Steve Barker since taking charge of The Reds of Msimbazi.
Selemani Mwalimu on loan from Moroccan top flight league Botola Pro club Wydad AC converted the penalty after 124 minutes after Clatous Chama had been fouled in the box.
Simba’s victory marks the first piece of silverware for head coach Steve Barker since taking charge of Simba
Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar awarded the Cup to the champions in a colourful ceremony. The winners bagged a trophy, medals and a cash prize of 150,000,000 Tanzanian Shillings.
The annual competition, featuring eight teams, four from Tanzania Mainland and four from Zanzibar, is held to commemorate the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar
En route to the final Simba SC eliminated Mlandege FC 3-0, while the 2025 winners Young Africans SC defeated Azam FC 2-1. The Muungano Cup was played between teams from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar
The last time the two sides met was at the same venue, but it was a league match that saw a goalless draw.
Tanzania president Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has congratulated Simba for their Muungano (Union) Cup victory, saying the tournament continues to strengthen the values of the Union.
The Head of State sent her congratulatory message through her social media platforms noting that the competition has played a key role in promoting unity among Tanzanians.
“I congratulate Simba Club for winning the 2026 Muungano Cup. Apart from entertainment, sports have continued to be a strong bond that unites us. I also congratulate all eight clubs that participated in the competition for showing friendly competition and enthusiasm that further strengthens the values of our Union,” the President wrote.
