Pamba Jiji secure vital win

MWANZA: PAMBA Jiji secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kengold in a Mainland Premier League clash held at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza yesterday.

The much-needed win propelled the Mwanza-based side to 12th place on the league table with 11 points, moving them out of relegation zone.

The lone goal came in the 72nd minute, courtesy of striker George Mpole, whose precise finish gave his team a crucial advantage.

Despite Kengold’s attempts to fight back, their efforts were further dented when Salum Ramadhan received a red card for dissent shortly after the goal.

This loss leaves Kengold firmly anchored at the bottom of the league with just six points, intensifying their struggle for survival.

Both teams made substitutions during the match in attempts to shift momentum, but neither side could significantly alter the tempo of the game.

Despite several chances created by both teams, the defences held firm and Mpole’s solitary goal remained the difference.

In other league news, the clash between Coastal Union and Tanzania Prisons is set to take place today at 1:00 pm at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga after it was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

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Coastal Union currently sit in 11th place with 13 points, while Tanzania Prisons trail closely in 12th with 10 points.

Both teams have played 12 matches, making today’s encounter their 13th fixture of the season. Victory for Coastal Union could see them rise to 8th or 9th place, depending on goal difference, with a total of 16 points.

On the other hand, a win for Tanzania Prisons would take them to 13 points, potentially moving them to 11th or 12th place, again subject to goal difference. Coastal Union’s recent performances include one win, one loss and two draws from their last four matches.

Tanzania Prisons, however, have endured a tougher run, recording one win and three losses in the same period. Meanwhile, Azam FC were scheduled to play a crucial match against Dodoma Jiji at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma late in the evening yesterday.

A victory for Azam FC would see them leapfrog Simba SC to claim the league’s top spot with a two-point margin.

The Mainland Premier League remains fiercely competitive, with teams scrambling for vital points as the season reaches its midway stage.