Okwi stars as Simba SC go top
Simba striker Emmanuel Okwi (centre) is challenged by defenders of Mtibwa Sugar Kassian Ponela (right) and Issa Rashid during the Mainland Premier League match at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO | MICHAEL MATEMANGA
What you need to know:
- The evergreen forward may not be on the same level as former England captain David Beckham, but he is forging a reputation as long range goal specialist, and yesterday he was at it again.
Dar es Salaam. A goal deep into injury time by striker Emmanuel Okwi rescued Simba from the jaws of defeat against Mtibwa Sugar in the Mainland Premier League match yesterday.
The evergreen forward may not be on the same level as former England captain David Beckham, but he is forging a reputation as long range goal specialist, and yesterday he was at it again.
Mtibwa seemed destined for a win until deep into added time of the thrilling match when he curled home an equaliser for Simba, making it 1-1.
The goal shot the Msimbazi Reds fans into wild celebrations at the Uhuru Stadium.
It enabled Joseph Omog’s men to to wrest back the top spot from their arch-rivals and defending champions Young Africans, who beat Kagera Sugar 2-1 on Saturday.
Simba now tie on 12 points with second-placed Mtibwa Sugar, Yanga and Azam FC, but they are ahead of goal difference.
In yesterday’s other match, Tanzania Prisons were forced to a barren draw by Shinyanga’s Stand United at the Sokoine Memorial Stadium in Mbeya.
At the Uhuru venue, the match started at a cracking pace with both teams pressing upfront relentlessly in search of an early goal.
A few seconds into the game, Simba missed what could have been the match opener when Erasto Nyoni brilliantly broke though, only to see his shot, which had beaten goalkeeper Benedict Tinoko, cleared by defender Dickson Daud.
Another chance for Simba to break the stalemate came in the fourth minute when midfielder Shiza Kichuya’s cross was parried off by goalie Daud for an abortive corner.
In the 17th minute Simba coach Joseph Omog was forced to bring in Juma Luizio to replace John Bocco, who sustained a knee injury.
Mtibwa went one up in the 36th minute through Stamili Mbonde, who connected home a corner by Issa Rashid for a 1-0 half time lead.
Line ups:
Simba:-Aishi Manula, Ally Shomary, Salim Mbonde, Method Mwanjali, Jonas Mkude, Haruna Niyonzima, James Kotei, John Bocco, Emmanuel Okwi and Shiza Kichuya.
Mtibwa Sugar:-Benedict Tinoko, Salum Kanoni, Issah Rashid, Dickson Daud, Kassian Ponela, Shaban Nditi, Salum Kihimbwa, Mohammed Issah, Stamil Mbonde, Salum Khamis and Ally Makarani.
