Ateba brace sends Simba top

TABORA: LEONEL Ateba’s brace propelled Simba back to the top of the league as they triumphed 3-0 over Tabora United at Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium in Tabora yesterday.

In addition to Ateba’s stellar performance, Shomari Kapombe also found the back of the net, securing Simba’s third goal.

This dominant win further cemented Simba’s supremacy over Tabora United, replicating their similar-margin victory in the first-round match at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam last August.

The victory lifted Simba to 43 points, edging ahead of second-place Young Africans by a single point. Despite the defeat, Tabora United remain in fifth position with 25 points, still far from challenging the league leaders.

Ateba opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, calmly finishing a brilliant assist from Elia Mpanzu. His composed strike, a low, arrow-like shot, beat Tabora United goalkeeper Jean Noel despite his desperate attempt to save.

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Ateba struck again in the 34th minute from the penalty spot, calmly converting after Tabora United defender Faria Ondongo brought down Mpanzu in the box.

His precise, curling shot sent the ball past Jean Noel and into the bottom corner. In the 66th minute, Simba netted their third, with Shomari Kapombe finishing coolly after a precise assist from Leonel Ateba.

Tabora United goalkeeper Jean Noel rushed out to challenge the unmarked Kapombe, but he couldn’t prevent the strike from calmly slotting the ball past him into the net.

In the 77th minute, Tabora United had a golden opportunity from a well-struck free kick by Offen Chikola. However, Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara was equal to the task, diving sharply to his right to deny Chikola and keep his clean sheet intact.