The 2025 Mapinduzi Cup format has changed because Burundi's national team pulled out at the last minute.

Originally planned as two groups of three teams, the tournament will now have a single group, with teams playing in a league format. All matches will be held at Gombani Stadium in Pemba.

Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) President Suleiman Jabir said they tried to replace Burundi with South Sudan, but South Sudan also declined. This left organizers no choice but to revise the format.

The updated schedule will be released soon, but the final match will still take place on January 13 at Gombani Stadium.

The teams competing are Zanzibar Heroes (hosts), Kilimanjaro Stars (Tanzania Mainland), Harambee Stars (Kenya), The Cranes (Uganda), and Burkina Faso. Each team will play against the others in a round-robin style.

This year’s tournament is different because it includes national teams instead of clubs, helping teams prepare for future tournaments like the 2025 CHAN and the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda