After 1,854 days, Harambee Stars and Zanzibar will on Friday 10 January renew their rivalries in the final group clash of the special 2025 Mapinduzi Cup.The game is set for a 7 PM kick-off at the Gombani Stadium in Pemba, Zanzibar with the clash set to be beamed live on Azam TV. Tusker confirm midfielder leaving on a free transfer ahead of Tanzania moveFrancis Kimanzi’s charges currently sit second in the four-team group with four points from their opening two games and only need a point against Zanzibar to advance to the final. Zanzibar who sit third after amassing three points need nothing short of a win to pip Kenya to the finals with table toppers Burkina Faso having booked a ticket to the final. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8619910##The Mapinduzi Cup is a tournament organized by the Zanzibar Football Federation to commemorate Zanzibar’s Revolution Day.This edition marked a special tournament as the organizers opted to move away from club football and include nations to ensure that participating countries step up their preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).Eugine Asike opens up on juggling classes and football in EnglandHarambee Stars kickstarted their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso after soaking in a late equalizer that denied them three points. Kimanzi picked up his first win of his third stint as Harambee Stars coach after beating Tanzania 2-0 to boost their hopes of gracing the final.##NAJAVA_MECA_8619943##Speaking ahead of the Zanzibar clash, Kimanzi admitted that the islanders will pose a stern test as they will be playing in front of a partisan crowd that will be behind their opponents. “This will be the toughest battle of all. The games we’ve played so far were challenging, but this one is different because we’re facing the host. Both teams have four points, and the only difference is in the goals.Ex-Harambee Stars ace throws weight behind McCarthyWe’re developing better with every match. This will be a battle, and the environment will be different. I know that will really excite our players. I’m really looking forward to this match because I know we’ll give it a fight,” said Kimanzi. This will be the 28th time that Zanzibar and Kenya lock horns with Harambee Stars emerging victorious in 18 encounters and losing only four matches while five draws have been registered.
