Mapinduzi Cup: Rupia nets brace for Singida in JKU humbling

Kenyan striker Elvis Rupia was on target twice as his side - Singida Fountain Gate FC - made a brilliant start to the 2023 Mapinduzi Cup, thumping hapless JKU SC 4-1 in a Friday evening match played at the newly refurbished Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

The former Kenya Police striker and the 2022-23 FKF Premier League golden boot winner was first on target in the 17th minute, when he connected Haji Kyombo’s cross from the right into the net, earning the Tanzania Premier League side a 1-0 lead at the halftime break.

The pair connected once again after the restart, as Kyombo found Rupia with a cut-back inside the box, with the striker pushing his effort past the keeper for the double.

Saleh Madou Abdalla pulled one back for the Zanzibari side from the spot after 61 minutes, but former Gor Mahia striker Meddie Kagere and Fancy Kazadi added two more goals for Singida in the last ten minutes of the match, to round off a convincing victory.

Another Kenyan, Duke Abuya, was also in action for the visitors.

For his performance, Rupia was awarded with the man of the match award and a cash prize of TSh. 500,000 (Ksh. 31,276.89).

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In an earlier match, Akram Omar Mhina netted a brace to guide KVZ FC to a 2-0 win against Jamhuri FC in a Group C match.

On Thursday Burundi’s Vital’O settled for a goalless draw against Chipukizi United, while Azam FC also drew 0-0 with defending champions Mlandege FC in Group A ties.

Action continues Saturday with Mlandege FC facing Vital ‘O, while Chipukizi battle Azam FC in Group A matches.

The Mapinduzi Cup is organized by the government of Zanzibar together with the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF).

Group A : Azam FC, Vital’O FC, Chipukizi Utd, Mlandege FC

Group B : Simba SC, JKU SC, APR SC, Singida Big Stars FC

Group C : Young Africans SC, Jamhuri SC, Jamus FC, KVZ FC