YOUNG Africans head coach Miguel Gamondi says he couldn’t be prouder of his players after the hard-fought win over Ihefu set up a CRDB Bank Federation Cup final for the fourth year running.

Young Africans booked a place in the final with an extra-time 1-0 win over Ihefu in the Federation Cup second semi-final match played at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on Sunday.

Stephane Azizi ki’s 101th-minute goal was the decisive moment as Gamondi’s men progressed to the final to face Azam for a second successive season.

The defending champions had to battle and ride their luck on occasion, but the Argentine coach believes the team’s fighting spirit and determination were evident throughout, in spite of a gruelling battle.

“We are happy for the win. It was a very tough game. In the first half, it was a very good game. We created three to four chances. Ihefu created three to four chances as well.

“We improved a lot in the second half. I think we dominated the game in the second half. Even though there was not much goal threat, Ihefu defended very well. I told the players to be calm, be careful with the counterattack and transition of Ihefu.

“They did not create much and in the last 30 minutes, I think we were physically stronger than them as well. We scored a goal and won the game and I think it is well deserved but let me congratulate Ihefu because they played a fantastic game. They played and fought well,” he said.

Gamondi was proud of his players for their ability to remain calm and composed to claim a huge deserved victory against a tough opponent.

“Congratulations to my players because they fought as well. They showed maturity to handle all the moments and we won and are in the final,” he added.

The CRDB Bank Federation Cup final is due to take place on Sunday, 2 June 2024 at Kwaraa Stadium, Manyara.

Last season, Kennedy Musonda’s goal gave Young Africans a 1-0 win over Azam on the way to a successive domestic double. 

In 2022, that victory came against Coastal Union.

Young Africans, who have already sealed a record-extending 30th league title, will be hoping to secure their fourth triumph in the Federation Cup, having won it in 2016, 2022 and 2023 since it was re-launched in the 2015/2016 season.