Simba go joint top with Azam
Simba SC striker Ibrahim Hajib (centre) contemplates his next move as Mtibwa Sugar defenders watch during their Vodacom Premier League match at Uhuru Stadium yesterday. Simba won 2-0. PHOTO | OMAR FUNGO
What you need to know:
The victory helped the Msimbazi Street heavyweights ascend to the summit of the 16-team log. They, however, tie with Azam FC on 10 points
Dar es Salaam. Second half goals from Ibrahim Hajib and Laudit Mavugo handed Simba SC a 2-0 victory over Mtibwa Sugar in a well-contested Vodacom Premier League at the Uhuru Stadium yesterday.
The victory helped the Msimbazi Street heavyweights ascend to the summit of the 16-team log. They, however, tie with Azam FC on 10 points.
Simba, who are seeking their first league title in four seasons, kicked off the match brightly, launching a series of attacks on the visitors’ area.
However, Mtibwa Sugar, who have regularly troubled the former champions in recent seasons, could not wither under pressure.
Mtibwa Sugar were a pale shadow of themselves in the first 30 minutes of the first half, but they gradually took control of preceding in the final 15 minutes.
Simba crafted over six good scoring chances in the first 30 minutes, but Mavugo, Mohammed Hussein and Mwinyi Kazimoto were not precise enough in the box.
Mtibwa Sugar made their first meaningful attack in the 32nd minute, but the Simba defenders stood firm and made a clearance.
The visitors poured forward a minute later, before going close to opening the goal account in the 45th minute. Haruna Chanongo, Stamili Mbonde and Kelvin Friday were all to blame for missing sitters.
The teams went for the breather deadlocked. Simba had three corners against five of their visitors.
Simba returned to the second half a more prolific side, but they had to wait until the 52nd minute to take the lead. Hajib headed home from Hussein’s corner ball.
The home team, which was enjoying a boisterous atmosphere at the 25-seater facility, stepped up their attacks after the goal and in the 66th minute Mavugo doubled their advantage. The Burundian capitalized on a deft pass from midfielder Mwinyi Kazimoto.
Both sides made changes to their teams, but no team managed to score again until the final whistle.
In another match, Tanzania Prisons bounced back with a 1-0 win over Toto Africans at Sokoine Stadium.
Lineups
Simba: Vincent Angban, Besala Bokungu, Mohammed Hussein, Method Mwanjale, Novalty Lufunga, Jonas Mkude, Mwinyi Kazimoto, Muzamiru Yassini, Ibrahim Ajib, Laudit Mavugo, Shiza Kichuya
Mtibwa Sugar: Abdallah Makangana, Ally Sharifu, Issah, Kassian Ponela, Salim Mbonde, Kelvin Friday, Shaban Nditi, Ally Yusuph, Stamili Mbonde, Ibrahim Juma, Haruna Chanongo
