Simba target JKT scalp as Azam FC, City shine

Dar es Salaam. A herculean task awaits JKT Tanzania when they face high-flying Simba at the Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro today.

The match billed to be thrilling is among seven encounters that are on the menu at different venues across the country.

The Msimbazi Reds, who thrashed Mwanza’s Mbao FC 3-0 last week, use the Jamhuri venue as their home ground.

Elsewhere, Coastal Union host face Stand United at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, and Singida United take on Alliance FC at the Namfua Stadium in Singida. Struggling Mwadui FC of Shinyanga are in Mbeya to face hosts Tanzania Prisons at the Sokoine Memorial Stadium. Ruvu Shooting and Mtiwa Sugar face off at the Mabatini ground in Coast Region, and Mbao FC face Biashara United at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, while Lipuli FC of Iringa confront relegation haunted African Lyon at the Samora Stadium, Iringa.

But many soccer fans will focus their attention at the Jamhuri Stadium, where high-flying Simba need a win so as to remain in the touching distance of league leaders Young Africans.

Simba sit third in the 20-team league table with 54 points from 21 matches, 13 adrift of Yanga, who are not in action today.

JKT, on the other hand, are placed 13th after collecting 36 points from 31 games.

And if words by Simba head coach Patrick Aussems are anything to go by, the army outfit should expect the worst today.

“Our objective this season is to perform impressively in both Mainland Premier League and Caf Champions League,” he said.

“However, we need to stay focused and don’t get carried away because we have beaten top teams in Africa,” he added. “We want the league title and we’ve got the squad to do that,” he said.

For his part, JKT Tanzania coach Abdallah Bares said they are well-prepared for today’s match.

Meanwhile, Frank Domayo and Donald Ngoma scored a goal apiece to give Azam FC a 2-0 win against Kagera Sugar at the Nyamagana Stadium in Mwanza yesterday.

Following the victory, second-placed Azam now have 62 points, five behind league leaders Young Africans, while Kagera Sugar sit 12th with 36 points.

In Mbeya, a 76th minute goal by Mbeya City striker Idd Nado condemned KMC to a 1-0 defeat at Sokoine Memorial Stadium.

Mbeya City are seventh in the league standing with 40 points.