Ahoua steers Simba to victory

DODOMA: JEAN Ahoua’s solitary strike was the highlight of an exhilarating clash as Simba edged past Dodoma Jiji with a 1-0 victory at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma on Sunday.

This win not only marked Simba’s fourth unbeaten match but also showcased their defensive prowess with a fourth consecutive clean sheet, leaving their fans buzzing with excitement.

The win elevated Simba to third place in the league standings, amassing 12 points and boasting the most goals scored, tallying an impressive 10 while yet to concede.

They trail league leaders Singida Black Stars and Fountain Gate by just one point, with Singida holding the edge on goal difference.

The match turned pivotal in the 63rd minute when Ahoua coolly converted a penalty awarded after a reckless foul by Dodoma Jiji’s Salmin Hoza on Simba’s skipper, Mohammed Hussein.

As Hussein danced into the penalty box, Hoza’s ill-timed tackle sent him sprawling to the ground, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

The Dodoma Jiji bench erupted in protests, but their frustration only intensified when Hoza received a yellow card for his protests.

In the tense atmosphere that followed, Ahoua stepped up and with precision, he dispatched the spot kick past the goalkeeper, sending the Simba fans into frenzy.

Despite Dodoma Jiji’s goalkeeper putting forth a valiant effort throughout the match, Ahoua’s strike was too much to handle and the goal lit up the stadium with cheers from the Simba supporters.

Simba’s offensive prowess did not rest with Ahoua alone. Leonel Ateba was another standout, constantly keeping Dodoma Jiji’s goalkeeper on high alert with a barrage of attempts.

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Within the first ten minutes, Ateba unleashed two powerful shots, both of which were expertly saved. He was relentless, forcing the goalkeeper into a series of acrobatic saves that showcased his skill and tenacity.

Debora Fernandez, crowned player of the match, had a golden opportunity in the 26th minute, receiving a perfectly timed assist from Kelvin Kijili. However, in a cruel twist of fate, his shot found its way toward an unguarded net, only to be heroically cleared by a Dodoma Jiji defender just in time.

Dodoma Jiji also showcased their capabilities, with Mwana Kabuta coming close in the 16th minute, striking the woodwork with a thunderous shot. Paul Peter nearly levelled the score in the dying moments of the match, but his attempt from a well-crafted set piece by Dickson Mhilu sailed just wide, leaving Dodoma Jiji lamenting missed opportunities.

As the final whistle blew, Simba’s players celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Dodoma Jiji left the field with their heads held high, knowing they had battled valiantly. This thrilling encounter underscored the intensity of the league and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.