Simba target Lipuli scalp
Simba players celebrate a goal during a past match. The Msimbazi Reds will be seeking to maintain their winning run when they face Lipuli FC in the Mainland Premier League clash at the Samora Memorial Stadium in Iringa today. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Samora Memorial Stadium in Iringa is not a good hunting place for many Premier League teams, including the Msimbazi Street giants
Dar es Salaam. Simba’s push for the 20th Mainland Premier League title faces a stern test when they take on Lupuli FC in Iringa this afternoon.
Buoyed by last Saturday’s 3-1 thumping of Azam FC, Simba do not look like a team that could drop points to Lipuli.
But the Samora Memorial Stadium is not a good hunting place for many top teams, including the Msimbazi Street giants.
On April 21, last year, Simba survived a scare before settling for a 1-1 draw with Lipuli in the second round clash of the top flight in Iringa.
Today’s tie, which promises to be a thriller, is one of three games that are on the menu at different venues across the country.
Elsewhere, Mtibwa Sugar, smarting from early elimination in the FA Cup, face Tanga’s Coastal Union at the Manungu Complex in Turiani, Morogoro.
African Lyon, who booked a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 4-3 win on penalties against Mbeya City in Mbeya on Sunday, host JKT Tanzania at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
But the top-of-the-bill will be at the Samora venue, where hosts Lipuli seek to halt Simba’s winning streak in the league.
“Last season, we failed to beat them (Simba) at our home ground. This time it is a different ball game,” Lipuli coach Seleman Matola said yesterday.
“We know it will be tough. They are performing well in both Premier League and Caf Champions League, but we are ready for the game,” he added.
Simba coach Patrick Aussems, on the other hand, will rely on Meddy Kagere, John Bocco, Emmanuel Okwi and Cletous Chama to silence Matola’s men.
“From what I have learnt in football, the performance on the day decides the outcome of the match, not where you play,” Aussems said.
Lipuli – coached by former Simba midfield maestro (Matola) – play their hearts out when up against the country’s football heavyweights (Simba and Young Africans).
On November 26, 2017, they (Lipuli) forced Simba to a one-all draw at the National Stadium.
In this year’s season first leg match, the two teams also battled to a draw of similar margin at the same venue on November 23.
On the log, Lipuli are placed fifth with 38 points from 27 matches, while Simba sit third with 45 points from 18 outings.
Young Africans are at the top with 61 points from 25 matches, 11 points ahead of second-placed Azam FC.
