Simba comfortably at helm
MBEYA: SIMBA took the helm of the league’s race with a 3-1 win against Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya on Thursday.
Following that victory, Simba has snatched twelve points, leapfrogging Azam in second with 10 points and Young Africans with nine points.
The defeat to Tanzania Prisons places them at the bottom of the table, with a point from four matches played. They tested defeats in three consecutive matches against Azam, Tabora United and now Simba. Unfortunately, in all three matches, they lost 1-3.
With just a goalless draw against Singida Big Stars in their league opener, Tanzania Prisons are off to a very poor start.
In yesterday’s encounter, both sides showed quality in ball possession and attacking, although Simba’s frontline appeared more efficient than their opponents. The Tanzania Prisons team played a well-coordinated football, but did not create many scoring opportunities.
For instance, Tanzania Prisons had only two attempts on target in 90 minutes while Simba recorded six attempts.
In the 12th minute, Edwin Balua’s well-taken free-kick gave Tanzania Prisons the lead, before Clatous Chama levelled the score in the 34th minute. He was followed by John Bocco who doubled in the 45th. Saido Ntibazonkiza concluded Simba’s goal tally in the 86th minute with a spot-kick.
Balua’s free-kick was indeed incredible despite how Simba’s goalkeeper, Ally Salim stretched to save his side from a far-angled shot he could not reach.
Simba was rejuvenated with a first come-back goal from Chama and John Bocco that concluded the first half.
All of Simba’s goals were scored in the same style – a set piece from the right flank, meeting the goal scorers who timely utilised poor defence marking. Shomari Kapombe assisted on the first goal before the Mzamiru Yassin-Chama partnership assisted Bocco to double.
Simba’s Coach Roberto Oliveira made some few changes in the second half, which brought a direct effect on his squad, especially when he brought in Moses Phiri and Willy Onana.
On the 84th minute Phiri dribbled past the defence and attempted to score, however, Tanzania Prisons Amos Yona fouled him in the penalty area. The foul gave Simba a penalty advantage.
Simba’s forward Ntibazonkiza converted his spot-kick into his third goal. The three-goal tally concluded Simba’s victory.
Onana made another attempt in the 90th minute, but Tanzania Prisons custodian Amos Yona stood firm to save his side from danger.
