A DRAMATIC extra-time goal from substitute Jephret Kitambala Bola sent 10-man Azam FC into the Federation Cup final after a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champions Young Africans at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza yesterday.

The ice cream makers will now face Simba SC in the final after the Msimbazi Street giants cruised to a 4-0 victory over Coastal Union in the first semi-final played in Arusha on Saturday.

Azam took the lead in the 27th minute through Himid Mao. The move started when defender Pascal Msindo received a pass from Idd Nado before delivering a cross from the left flank. Jean-Jacques Ngita nodded the ball into Mao's path, and the midfielder headed past Young Africans goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

Young Africans responded with increased attacking pressure and came close to equalising in the 34th minute, but a goal-bound effort was cleared by Yahya Bin Zayd inside the six-yard box.

The defending champions finally found the breakthrough in the 66th minute when Prince Dube rose highest to head home Allan Okello's cross and level the scores at 1-1.

Two minutes later, Azam were reduced to 10 men after defender Yoro Diaby received a straight red card for bringing down Dube while acting as the last defender.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Azam continued to threaten on the counterattack. Young Africans nearly took the lead in the 76th minute when Okello's header from Pacome Zouzoua's corner sailed over the crossbar.

Azam regained the lead in the 84th minute through substitute Lameck Lawi, who headed home a corner delivered by Feisal Salum.

However, their advantage lasted only three minutes as Young Africans equalised once again. Captain Bakari Mwamnyeto powered in a header from Okello's cross to make it 2-2 and force extra time.

Young Africans almost snatched the winner in the 106th minute, but Azam defender Lawi produced a brilliant double save, first denying Dube before reacting quickly to stop Okello's rebound effort inside the penalty area.

The decisive moment came in the 112th minute when a costly defensive error gifted Azam the winning goal. Young Africans defender Ibrahim Bacca's back-header towards goalkeeper Diarra fell short, allowing Kitambala to intercept before calmly heading the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to seal a memorable victory.

Azam will now shift their focus to the final, where they will renew their rivalry with Simba in a highly anticipated showdown for the Federation Cup title.