Wasteful Simba drop points

MANYARA: SIMBA SC dropped two crucial points in the Mainland Premier League yesterday, drawing 1-1 with Fountain Gate at Tanzanite Kwara in Manyara.

The draw prevented Simba from overtaking Young Africans, who moved to the top of the table after a resounding 6-1 victory over KenGold on Wednesday.

Simba now sit second with 45 points, one point behind their rivals, while Fountain Gate remain in sixth place with 21 points. The game sparked to life in the 57th minute when Simba struck first.

Jean Charles Ahoua, capitalising on a quick free-kick, threaded a pass to Ladaki Chasambi, whose burst into the box caught the Fountain Gate defence flat-footed.

Chasambi then squared the ball to Leonel Ateba, who made no mistake, firing a powerful shot past Fountain Gate goalkeeper John Noble.

Simba appeared to be in control after taking the lead, but disaster struck in the 75th minute. Chasambi, attempting a pass back to his goalkeeper Moussa Camara, made a costly error.

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The ball eluded Camara, trickling into the net for an own goal that gifted Fountain Gate an unexpected equaliser. Chasambi was left stunned, hands on his head, as the momentum shifted.

Fountain Gate, sensing an opportunity, tried to capitalise on the renewed energy. Their goalkeeper, Noble, began time-wasting tactics, drawing the ire of the Simba players.

Having already received a yellow card, Noble’s repeated delays earned him a second yellow and a red card.

With their coach fuming, Fountain Gate midfielder Hashimu Omary was forced to take over goalkeeping duties for the remainder of the match.

Simba immediately pressed their advantage against the makeshift goalkeeper.

Elia Mpanzu had a clear chance but was denied by a solid save from Omary.

Shortly after, Mpanzu set up Steven Mukwala, whose shot was unfortunately deflected away off his teammate, Ateba.

Fountain Gate held on, leaving Simba frustrated and ruing missed opportunities.