Moshi Khalsa defeats Tanga Stars to reach finals

MOSHI : MOSHI Khalsa beat Tanga Stars in a thrilling penalty shootout during their 2024 Hockey Nyerere Cup semifinal match held in Kilimanjaro, over the weekend.

The first men’s category semifinal saw Group A leaders Moshi Khalsa face off against the youthful Tanga Stars in an exciting contest at the Sikh Community Ground in Moshi.

According to reports from Moshi, both teams started the game at a fast pace. Moshi Khalsa, playing at the home venue with strong support from the crowd, appeared to have the upper hand, although they were unable to convert their pressure into goals.

Despite the challenges, the young Tanga Stars took the lead in the 4th quarter with a goal, maintaining a 1-0 advantage as the game neared its final moments. However, in the dying seconds, Moshi Khalsa managed to equalise with a controversial penalty, bringing the match to a 1-1 draw.

Both teams had equal opportunities to score and the game ended level at full-time.

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In the penalty shootout, Moshi Khalsa triumphed 4-2, edging out Tanga Stars, who were seen as the favourites to win.

Despite the loss, Tanga Stars’ performance was considered one of the best in their hockey history, as they held their own against the strong defending champions.

In the other semifinal, last year’s finalists, the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) and Black Mambaz, also drew 1-1 after regulation time, leading to another penalty shootout.

Black Mambaz emerged victorious, winning 4-3 and securing a spot in the final.

The victory by 2022 champions Black Mambaz means the final will not repeat last year’s matchup between Moshi Khalsa and TPDF.

Black Mambaz, who missed last year’s tournament, were eager to challenge the defending champions this year.

This four-day event, organised by the Moshi Sikh Club and the Tanzania Hockey Association (THA), features 12 teams, including eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, all vying for supremacy.

The men’s teams are divided into two groups, A and B. Group A consists of Moshi Khalsa, Arusha Twigas, TPDF from Dar es Salaam and Ngome. Group B includes Tanga Stars, Black Mambaz, Twende and Kili Vijanas.

For the first time, the tournament also includes a women’s category, featuring teams from Dar es Salaam: TPDF, Ilala, Temeke and Twende Ladies.

Twende and TPDF were scheduled to face each other in yesterday’s final.