Simba move top of table
MBEYA: SIMBA SC moved to the top of the Mainland Premier League table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mbeya City FC at Sokoine Stadium yesterday.
The result intensifies both the title race and the relegation battle with three matches remaining for most teams.
The victory lifted Simba to 64 points from 27 matches, one point ahead of defending champions Young Africans SC, who remain second with a game in hand and are scheduled to face Fountain Gate FC today.
With the title race entering its final stages, Simba have placed pressure on Yanga, who now need a positive result to reclaim top spot.
A win for Yanga would move them back to the summit on 66 points, while a draw would leave them level on points with Simba but ahead on goal difference.
Third-placed Azam FC remain mathematically in contention for the title with 58 points from 27 matches. However, their chances are becoming increasingly narrow.
Even if Azam win all three remaining fixtures, they can only reach a maximum of 67 points, meaning they must rely on both Simba and Yanga dropping points in their remaining encounters.
Azam’s upcoming fixture against Yanga on Wednesday could prove decisive.
Victory in that match would not only keep Azam’s slim hopes alive but could also influence the destination of the title by slowing Yanga’s momentum.
Simba secured three points through a 43rd-minute goal from Elie Mpanzu, who finished calmly after receiving a precise through ball from Clatous Chama.
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Mpanzu advanced into the box unmarked, rounded goalkeeper Hashimu Mussa and slotted the ball into the net. The visitors created further opportunities late in the match through Inno Loemba.
In the 84th minute, Loemba headed wide from a cross delivered by Anthony Mligo, before missing another chance two minutes later after being picked out by Anicet Oura.
Mbeya City pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time when Abdallah Kulandana attempted a long-range strike, but goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali collected it comfortably. The defeat leaves Mbeya City in deep relegation trouble.
They remain 14th with 25 points from 27 matches, occupying the relegation play-off position. With only three games left, the margin for error is shrinking.
Namungo FC, in 11th place, and Mtibwa Sugar FC, in 12th, both have 27 points, only two points above Mbeya City. Mashujaa FC sit 13th, also within the relegation zone, battling to avoid it.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Prisons FC remain inside the relegation zone with 23 points but still have a game in hand.
Their recent improvement, three wins from their last five matches, has strengthened their survival hopes, and positive results in the remaining fixtures could see them climb out of danger.
