Simba mark 80 years in style
What you need to know:
The encounter at a sold out stadium kicked off on a balanced note with thousands of Simba fans cheering from the outset.
Dar es Salaam. Simba SC celebrated the Simba Day in style after spanking Kenya’s AFC Leopards 4-0 in a friendly, which will boost their confidence ahead of the 2016/17 Vodacom Premier League.
The Msimbazi Street side that was also marking its 80th anniversary of existence had their goals scored by two-goal hero Ibrahim Hajib who found the back of the net in either half at the 60,000-seater National Stadium.
It was also a day to remember for new signings; Laudit Mavugo (Burundian) and former Mtibwa Sugar youngster Shizza Kichuya, who took a bow with a goal apiece.
Simba leaders used the occasion to present their newly signed players to their fans.
The encounter at a sold out stadium kicked off on a balanced note with thousands of Simba fans cheering from the outset.
The visitors also enjoyed support from the fans believed to belong to rivals Young Africans.
After a slow start, Simba started dominating proceeding, but their strikers could not race into an early lead.
The Msimbazi side survived a scared from their former attacker; Paul Kiongera whose shot was well dealt with by the keeper Vincent Angban.
Hajib opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a long range shot that went past Ian Otieno after receiving a nice pass from Musaa Ndusha.
The Kenyan giants made some well organised attacks with a bid to level the score, but Simba thwarted all moves to take a 1-0 lead to the half time break.
The hosts did wholesome changes in the second half in a bid to give players more game time ahead of the new season.
Hajib netted his and Simba’s second on the 56th minute with Jamal Mnyate being a victim of wasting a clear opportunity after being put through by Mavungo two minutes later.
The third goal couldn’t wait any longer as Kichuya completed a nice cross from Mavugo for Simba.
After providing the assist, Mavugo was to add his name to the score sheet with a goal eight minutes from time; this time receiving a nice pass from Kichuya.
City tycoon Mohammed Dewji who is on the verge of take over the club was also in attendance.
Simba will open their new league season with a home match against Ndanda FC on August 20.