Simba SC back on track as they beat Mtibwa Sugar 2-0 to put pressure on Azam FC

Dar es Salaam. Football giants in the country, Simba SC, recorded a 2-0 victory over Mtibwa Sugar FC to return to their winning streak for the Mainland Tanzania Premier League title.

The match, played on May 03, 2024 at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, saw Simba scoring their goals through Freddy Michael in the 35th minute following a good pass from Saido Ntibazonkiza and Saleh Karabaka sealed the score in the 65th minute after receiving a good pass from Mzamiru Yasin.

This is the first win for the Msimbazi Street giants since they won 2-0 over Mashujaa FC on March 15, 2024.

Before that, Simba recorded a 1-1 draw on April 13, 2024 against Ihefu FC at the Liti Stadium in Singida before losing 2-1 on April 20, 2024 to their bitter rivals, Young Africans (Yanga), and later recording a 1 -1 draw on April 30, 2024 against Namungo FC at the Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi.

The victory means Simba are now four points behind second placed Azam FC, who have collected 54 points from 24 matches.

Simba has played 23 matches while Yanga leads the league table with 62 points from 24 matches.

The loss means Mtibwa Sugar’s chance to remain in the league is worsening and they will need to pull up their stockings in order to avoid it.

The 1999 and 2000 Mainland League champions are now placed at the bottom with 17 points from 24 matches and can reach up to 35 points if they are to win all of their remaining six matches. Their next match will be against Azam FC at the Manungu Complex in Turiani, Morogoto, on May 06, 2024.

The Simba-Mtibwa match was thrilling as each team played well in the first 30 minutes. Simba strikers created various scoring chances that were all wasted due to lack of concentration.

Mtibwa Sugar also created several scoring chances in the encounter, but their strikers missed all.

Simba acting head coach Juma Mgunda commended his players for the victory that has revived their hopes of finishing among the best top three.

“We are still in the title race and we will have to win all of our remaining matches. My players are in high morale and know their commitment despite the league being tough and each team aiming for the best results,” said Mgunda.

Mtibwa Sugar head coach Zubeiry Katwila said they made mistakes that allowed Simba to score the goals in the match and promised to rectify them in their upcoming matches.

“We need to be very keen in the remaining matches in order to survive in the league,” said Katwila.