Stand United has secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the CRDB Federation Cup after a commanding 3-1 victory over Giraffe Academy in a thrilling Round of 16 clash played at CCM Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga today.
The match started with both teams displaying a cautious approach, carefully building their attacks while ensuring defensive stability.
Despite several attempts from both sides, the first half ended in a goalless draw, with neither team able to break the deadlock before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw Stand United come out with renewed energy and determination, and their efforts soon paid off.
In the 59th minute, Khalid Jaffary put Stand United ahead with a well-placed strike, giving his team the much-needed lead.
This goal injected confidence into the Stand United squad, and they continued to press forward in search of more goals.
Eleven minutes later, in the 70th minute, Stand United doubled their advantage when Msendo Sengo found the back of the net, putting his team in a comfortable position.
However, Giraffe Academy quickly responded, showing resilience as they fought to get back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 73rd minute when Zelfin Malima scored, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
With the game hanging in the balance, Stand United refused to sit back and defend their lead. Instead, they maintained their attacking momentum and sealed the victory in the 84th minute when Omary Ramadhan struck the third goal, extinguishing Giraffe Academy’s hopes of making a comeback.
The win sees Stand United join Singida Black Stars, JKT Tanzania, and Mbeya City in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The team’s performance has been impressive so far, and their victory today highlights their ambition to go further in the competition.
Speaking after the match, Stand United’s head coach praised his players for their determination and discipline.
“It was a tough match, especially in the first half, but we remained patient and took our chances when they came. I’m proud of the team’s performance, and we are now focusing on the next stage,” he said.
On the other hand, Giraffe Academy’s coach acknowledged his team’s fighting spirit but admitted that defensive lapses cost them the match.
“We gave our best, but Stand United capitalized on their chances. We will go back and work on our weaknesses to improve in future competitions,” he stated.
With the quarter-finals now set, football fans eagerly await the next round, where Stand United and the other qualified teams will battle for a place in the semi-finals.