Title beckons as Simba SC subdue Yanga

Dar es Salaam. Shija Kichuya came off the substitute bench to inspire Simba SC to a 2-1 victory over Yanga in an exciting Vodacom Premier League match at the packed National Stadium yesterday.

It was Simba’s first victory over their arch-rivals since 2015. It will certainly have huge implication in the race for the league title.

Yanga took the fifth minute lead through Simon Msuva, but Kichuya’s introduction in the second half was a game changer.

The former Mtibwa Sugar striker delivered an assist, which led to Laudit Mavugo’s equaliser in the 66th minute before scoring the winner in the 81st minute.

It was Kichuya’s second goal against Yanga in as many matches. He scored a last minute equaliser during the first round tie that ended in a 1-1 draw at the same facility.

Simba, who have not won the league for the past four seasons, now have a reason to believe after opening a five-point lead at the top of the 16-team league table.

They have so far accumulated 54 points from 23 matches with seven matches left to the end of this season. Yanga sit second with 49 points garnered from 22 matches. They can move to within two points of Simba should they win their rescheduled match.

Simba, who lost to Azam recently, are left with relatively easier matches compared to Yanga who must face resurgent Azam as the league heads into its home stretch.

Speaking after the match, Simba captain Mohammed Hussein congratulated his teammates for their fighting spirit, exuding confidence that they would march on to glory.

“We were slightly outplayed in the first half, but despite the sending of Bokungu (Javier) we were the better side in the second half. Our fighting spirit paid off,” said the young defender. “We can now dream of the title even though I think the fight will go down to the wire.”

Yanga assistant captain Haruna Niyonzima conceded defeat, but warned that their backlash would re-sounding. Yanga took the lead via Msuva who scored from a spot kick after Zambian forward Obrey Chirwa was fouled by Novert Lufunga. After the goal, Yanga looked destined for the win, launching a series of attacks to Simba, but their strikers could not double the advantage. Simba suffered a massive blow in the 55th minute when Bokungu was sent off after picking the second yellow card for a foul on Chirwa. However, it was a blessing in disguise as substitute Kichuya changed the pace of the game.

Yanga: Deogratius Munishi, Juma Abdul, Mwinyi Haji, Andrew Vincent, Kevin Yondani, Justine Zulu, Simon Msuva, Thabani Kamusoko, Amisi Tambwe, Obrey Chirwa, Haruna Niyonzima.

Simba: Daniel Agyei, Janvier Bokungu, Mohammed Hussein, Novaty Lufunga, Abdi Banda, James Kotei, Ibrahim Hajib, Muzamil Yassin, Juma Luizio, Laudit Mavugo and Mohammed Ibrahim.