Ilala combined football team collected maximum three points after hammering newcomers Geita 3-1 in the ongoing U-15 Copa Coca-Cola national finals at the Karume Memorial Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
However, it was Geita who scored the first goal barely three minutes into the game when their lethal striker Maneno Masumbuko received a long pass from the left wing and outraced Ilala defenders to unleash a powerful shoot that found the back of the net.
The early goal sent red signals to the city boys who turned into a goal-hunting side and their efforts bore fruits in the fifth minute when Mohamed Kisimbo beat Geita defenders to slot the ball home.
The equalizer brought relief to Ilala supporters who were vividly stunned by Geita’s stunning opener. The scoreboard read 1-1 at the breather. The second half commenced on a quick note with each side looking for a goal but it was not until the 75th minute when Ilala finally recorded the second goal.
Davi Zelamula raced with ball all the way from the middle to unleash a power-packed drive that sailed into the net. The goal was met with excitement and celebration from Ilala supporters who remained on their toes throughout the game.
Efforts by Geita to level matters proved futile and four minutes later Ilala sealed their victory by scoring the third goal. It was Zelemula again who sent Ilala fans into celebration following a good combination upfront.
The day also witnessed 2009 Copa Coca-Cola champions Mjini Magharibi battle to a one-all draw with Kinondoni. The draw propelled the Zanzibar team to the quarterfinals of the national youth tournament.
In a girls match, Mwanza laboured to pulverize Temeke 3-1 at Tanganyika packers football ground, Kawe, in Dar es Salaam.
Source Tanzania Daily News
