Simba held by Ndanda FC

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Simba, who fielded their top strikers led by Meddie Kagere, Emmanuel Okwi, John Bocco and Shiza Kichuya, failed to penetrate Ndanda FC defence under Aziz Sibo Abdallah Mfuko and their goalkeeper, Dier Makonga, who thwarted all attacks in the encounter.

Dar es Salaam. Ndanda Football Club has stopped Simba’s Sports Club unbeaten run, following a barren draw at Nangwanda Stadium in Mtwara yesterday.

Simba, who fielded their top strikers led by Meddie Kagere, Emmanuel Okwi, John Bocco and Shiza Kichuya, failed to penetrate Ndanda FC defence under Aziz Sibo Abdallah Mfuko and their goalkeeper, Dier Makonga, who thwarted all attacks in the encounter.

It was the first time Ndanda drew against Simba in nine matches. In their previous meeting, Simba won all home and away encounters.

Ndanda made a few attacks through Vitalis Mayanga, but Simba defence under Serge Pascal Wawa, Erasto Nyoni and Shomari Kapombe stood firm. The results meant Azam FC continued to lead the standing with seven points, followed by Mbao with seven points.

In other matches, Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) failed to utilize their home ground after being defeated 1-0 by Singida United. Singida United’s goal was scored by Habib Kiyombo.

At the CCM Kirumba Stadium, Mbao FC lost 1-0 against JKT Stars while at the Sokoine Stadium, Tanzania Prisons recorded a 2-2 draw against Ruvu Shooting. Lipuli FC recored a barren draw against Mtibwa Sugar as Biashara of Musoma drew 0-0 with Kagera Sugar at the Karume Stadium in Mara Region.

Meanwhile, Young Africans today face an arduous test when they clash with Stand United as the Mainland Premier League continues in different venues.

Also in the today’s fixture Mbeya City is hosting newly promoted side Alliance, while Biashara United will play its first league encounter against Kagera Sugar at the Karume Stadium in Musoma.

After a 2-1 win against Mtibwa Sugar at the National Stadium on August 23, Young Africans would like to continue with their winning streak against Stand United, which is placed fifth with six points.

The Jangwani Street side is now placed 10th with three points in the league log and a victory will help them to improve their standing.

Stand United started the league with a bang and managed to record 1-0 victories against African Lyon and Biashara United before losing 2-1 against Mbao FC.

The situation makes today’s encounter a tough one as each team needs victory. Stand United head coach, Hitimana Thierry, said they were targeting a victory at their home ground and were not ready to disappoint fans for the second time.

“We have committed players who are ready to show their prowess in the encounter, we have practised very hard to ensure we win the game, players are capable of turning around the season’s fortunes at our home ground.

“We will play Young Africans cautiously, but with determination to get the three points,” promised Hitimana. Young Africans head coach Mwinyi Zahera is also optimistic about his players and says they will register a victory in the encounter.

The team squad has been boosted by the return of Juma Mahadhi and Juma Abdul who were sick.

“We are happy with the return of our players, who sustained injuries. We took the match seriously and we’re sure we will take all the three points. However, we do not underrate our opponents,” said Zahera.