THE four teams that have qualified for the semi-finals of the Federation Cup are Simba SC, Young Africans (Yanga), Singida Black Stars, and JKT Tanzania.

Simba advanced after a 3-1 win over Mbeya City, while Young Africans booked their place in the last four with an emphatic 8-1 victory over Championship side Stand United at the KMC Stadium on Tuesday. 

Singida Black Stars edged Kagera Sugar 2-0, and JKT Tanzania saw off Pamba Jiji with a 3-1 win.

The semi-final matchups are now confirmed: Simba will face Singida Black Stars, and Young Africans will play against JKT Tanzania.

Interestingly, these fixtures follow mixed outcomes from their earlier encounters in the Mainland Premier League this season. Simba defeated Singida Black Stars 1-0 in the first round, and the two sides are set to meet again in the league on May 14, just three days before their Federation Cup semi-final clash on May 17.

This tight schedule presents a challenge for Simba, who are pursuing a historic treble this season. Facing Singida Black Stars twice in just four days could test their squad depth and endurance, especially given their ongoing involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup against Stellenbosch FC.

Singida Black Stars, having already secured a top-four league finish, may shift their focus entirely to the Federation Cup, giving them a slight edge in preparation. Despite Simba’s status as favourites, the quality within the Singida squad makes them capable of upsetting the Msimbazi giants.

While Simba and Young Africans dominate the top tier of Tanzanian football, Singida Black Stars are establishing themselves in the middle tier alongside clubs like Azam FC. This positions them as serious contenders in the cup, particularly with Simba balancing a heavier fixture load.

On the other side, Young Africans, who have undergone three coaching changes this season, face a more favourable semi-final pairing against JKT Tanzania. Despite their dominance, Young Africans have drawn their last two away matches against JKT Tanzania at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, both ending 0-0 in recent seasons.

Young Africans will view this match as an opportunity to reassert dominance after dropping two points against JKT earlier this season - a result that contributes to the narrow one-point gap in the title race if Simba win all their remaining league matches.

The quality gap between Young Africans and JKT Tanzania is notable, but the army side has shown the resilience to force a potential penalty shootout, especially with standout goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman in goal. Still, within the standard 90 minutes, Young Africans hold the clear advantage.

Though Young Africans won their first-round league meeting 2-0, this semi-final presents a renewed test of their firepower. JKT Tanzania will be determined to defy expectations and reach the final at Young Africans’ expense.

A major concern for JKT Tanzania is their defensive vulnerability, having conceded in their last five league matches - an issue coach Ahmad Ally (pictured) must urgently address. 

Their next challenge is a free-scoring Young Africans side, who recently showcased their attacking might in the 8-1 demolition of Stand United.

While many fans are already anticipating a Simba vs. Young Africans final, it is important not to dismiss the possibility of a Singida Black Stars vs. JKT Tanzania final. Although such a matchup may attract less attention and viewership, both teams are capable of pulling off surprises.