Duke Abuya makes competitive debut for Singida as Joash Onyango misses action

Harambee Stars midfielder Duke Abuya saw his first competitive start for his new Tanzanian top tier outfit Singida Fountain Gate end in defeat as they were denied a chance of making the finals of the 2023 Community Shield, fondly known as Ngao ya Jamii, following their post-match penalty shootout loss against Simba on Thursday.

With both sides needing a win to make the finals, the clash staged at the Mkwakwani Stadium was forced to the deciding penalties after the two teams were unable to break the deadlock in regulation time, sending the match straight to penalties.

Simba would come out on top when it mattered most as they won 4-2 to advance to the finals set to be played on Sunday 13 August.

While Abuya was in action, his national teammate Joash Onyango was not included in the matchday squad with the club not revealing details of his whereabouts despite having earlier stated he would be involved.

The win for Simba set up the first Kariakoo Derby of the new season as Yanga had marched into the finals on Wednesday following their 2-0 win over Azam in the other semifinal.

Two second half goals by substitutes Stephanie Aziz Ki and Clement Mzize powered the defending champions to the finishing line of the contest.

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Azam and Singida Fountain Gate will now face off in the 3/4th place playoff as Yanga and Simba fight for the title with both matches set to be played on Sunday.

Onyango joined Singida from Simba back in June while Abuya left Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Kenya Police in July to join the team.

Abuya was to join the club last year alongside Harrison Mwendwa but the deals fell through under unclear circumstances, forcing the two Kenyan players to return home.

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