Mbao shock Simba SC to regain top position
Mbao FC defender, Amos Charles (down) challenges Simba’s Shomari Kapombe during the Mainland Tanzania encounter at the CCM Kirumba Stadium. Mbao won 1-0. PHOTO | MICHAEL JAMSON
What you need to know:
- The victory means that Mbao climb to the top of the standings with 10 points from five matches. Young Africans which won 1-0 against Coastal Union at the National Stadium on Wednesday are second with nine points as are JKT Tanzania.
Dar es Salaam. Mbao Football Club has regained top position after beating soccer giants Simba Sports Club 1-0 in the ongoing Mainland Tanzania Premier League at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza Region.
The victory means that Mbao climb to the top of the standings with 10 points from five matches. Young Africans which won 1-0 against Coastal Union at the National Stadium on Wednesday are second with nine points as are JKT Tanzania.
Azam FC are fourth with eight points from four matches, while Simba is now placed fifth with seven points from four matches. Mtibwa and Singida United are placed in fifth and sixth positions respectively. They are tied on seven points, but are separated by the number of goals they have scored after playing five matches each.
In the thrilling match at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza Simba wasted many scoring chances. It was the Msimbazi giants who started the match with a bang, but Mbao FC scored their lone goal through Said Hamis through a penalty in the 26th minute.
Simba’s goalkeeper, Aishi Manula, fouled Pastory Athanas who was in a good position to score and the referee, Jonisia Rukyaa, awarded Mbao a spot kick.
The Msimbazi street giants made many attempts in the encounter, but striker Meddie Kagere missed many clear scoring chances. Mbao FC head coach Amri Saidi congratulated his players for the victory and promised to shine in the remaining league matches.
“Our players fought hard to beat the current defending champions and go top of the league,” said Saidi.
At the Uhuru Stadium, French midfielder Victor Da Costa scored his first goal in the league when African Lyon won 3-2 against Singida United.
This marked the first victory for African Lyon who are under coach Lionel Soccia. Other African Lyon goals were scored by Said Mtikila and Ismail gambo, while Singida United scored through Hans Kwofie and Habib Kiyombo.
African Lyon owner Rahim “Zamunda” Kangezi expressed his happiness after the match, commending his players for the good result.
Also Kagera Sugar forced a 2-2 draw against Tanzania Prisons at the Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya Region.
