Azam, Simba clash in decisive Mainland Premier League tie
Azam FC and Simba SC players vie for the ball in the past Union Cup match at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar. Simba won 1-0 PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The encounter, dubbed the Mzizima derby, is crucial for the two teams that continue to chase the pilot seat of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League
Dar es Salaam. Big guns, Azam FC and Simba SC, today at 6:15pm will be facing off in the decisive Tanzania Mainland Premier League encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The match, dubbed the Mzizima derby, is crucial for both teams that continue to chase the pilot seat of the league, which is so far being dominated by Young Africans (Yanga).
It is a decisive encounter because of three main factors. First, victory for Azam FC will keep them in the title race against Yanga or secure second place, which will enable them to feature in the CAF Champions League for the second time in their history.
It is also because Azam FC will be seven points ahead of Simba in the league standings while Simba praying for the unfavourable results of the ice-cream makers as well as Yanga to finish as the top two teams.
Second, victory for Simba will put pressure on Azam FC as well as on Yanga for the top two positions.
This is because Simba will revive their hopes of finishing second or clinching the title if Yanga are to lose all of their remaining matches while Simba recording victories.
Arithmetically, Simba will be one point behind Azam FC with one match in hand.
Third, if the match ends in a draw, it will automatically give Yanga a 99 percent chance to retain the title for the third time in a row because the two teams will be far away from reaching Yanga’s points.
Records show that Azam FC and Simba last met on February 9, 2024, at the CCM Kirumba Stadium, where the score was 1-1, with Simba equalizing in stoppage time.
The records also show that so far the teams have met 33 times in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League since the 2008/2009 season, with Simba winning 13 matches, while Azam FC winning eight and other 12 games ending in draws.
The records also show that Simba are yet to win over Azam FC in two consecutive Tanzania Mainland Premier League seasons, making today’s encounter most thrilling.
Simba interim head coach Juma Mgunda said they are targeting victory to continue chasing the top position.
“We need to do our best in the game. Azam FC are a strong team also targeting victory. But we have also prepared our players for victory,” Mgunda said.
However, Simba will miss the services of their three key players namely Clatous Chama, Kibu Dennis, and Shomari Kapombe because of various technical reasons.
Mgunda said his other g players are in top form and ready to maintain their winning streak in the league.
Azam FC coach Bruno Ferry said his players are in high spirit to do their best against Simba. Ferry explained that despite facing a huge task against giants Simba, they hope to win the encounter.
“This is a decisive match to give us a clear picture of whether we are one of the title contenders or not. We are ready for the battle; we have committed players who are ready to do their best,” insisted Ferry.
