YOUNG Africans (Yanga) head coach Miloud Hamdi expressed delight with his side’s performance after they stormed into the semi-finals of the Federation Cup by thrashing Stand United 8-1 in a dominant quarter-final display at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking after the game, Hamdi (pictured) praised his players for their hunger and commitment, singling out midfielder Stephane Aziz KI for a sensational comeback and also defended playmaker Clatous Chama against recent criticism.

“Aziz KI has just recovered from injury but he’s worked extremely hard in training, and today he gave the perfect response to those who doubted him,” said Hamdi. “He was exceptional.”

Hamdi was also quick to shield Zambian star Chama from any negative remarks following his commanding performance in midfield.

“If anyone says Chama played badly, they are wrong,” he stated. “He is a fantastic player and everyone knows his talent. He was at his best today and was key to our success.”

Chama netted twice while Aziz KI scored four goals in the rout, with Nickson Kibabage and Kennedy Musonda adding one each to complete the scoreline. Stand United’s lone goal came through Msenda Senda early in the second half, a moment that only seemed to fire up the Young Africans squad to push for more.

“What we did to Stand United was brutal,” Hamdi admitted. “But we want to win this cup and to do that we must reach the final and fight for the title.”

He also revealed a motivational moment with winger Farid Musa before kick-off, though he didn’t detail the conversation. Hamdi emphasized that the team is determined to retain the trophy, which they have won for three consecutive seasons.

Young Africans took control of the game early, racing to a 4-0 lead in the first half with goals from Aziz KI in the 16th minute, Kibabage in the 20th, and a brace from Chama in the 32nd and 41st minutes. 

Stand United, who failed to register a single shot on target in the first half, showed some fight after the break with Senda’s goal in the 48th minute.

However, it only served as a wake-up call for Young Africans. Aziz KI responded with a hat-trick in 13 minutes, scoring in the 51st, 60th, and 64th minutes, taking his tally to four goals in the match. 

Musonda, who replaced Aziz KI, sealed the 8-1 victory with a strike in the 86th minute.

The result means Young Africans join JKT Tanzania, Simba SC, and Singida Black Stars in the last four of the tournament. 

Young Africans will now face JKT Tanzania in the semi-final, scheduled for May 16 or 17 at a venue to be announced by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

Simba SC will meet Singida Black Stars in the other semi-final match. 

Simba booked their spot after a 3-1 win over Mbeya City, while Singida beat Kagera Sugar 2-0 at Liti Stadium. JKT Tanzania reached the semis by overcoming Pamba Jiji 3-1.

As the battle for the Federation Cup intensifies, Young Africans will be hoping to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the final as they aim to lift the title for the fourth successive time.