Simba’s continued point loss casts doubt on Mainland Tanzania Premier League title win
What you need to know:
- The result means Simba remain in the third position with 46 points from 20 matches.
Dar es Salaam. Mainland Tanzania football giants, Simba SC, have continued to drop points and put themselves in doubt to win the Mainland Tanzania Premier League title following a 1-1 draw Saturday on April 13, 2024 against Ihefu FC at the Liti Stadium in Singida Region.
Ihefu FC were the first to score through Duke Abuya in the 41st minute following the mistakes made by Simba's goalkeeper, Ally Salim.
However, the Msimbazi Street side equalized in the 72nd minute through a penalty scored by Clatous Chama after Ihefu's defender fouled Kibu Dennis.
The result means Simba remain in the third position with 46 points from 20 matches.
The points are six behind the defending champions, Young Africans (Yanga), who are at the top with 52 points from 20 matches, and one behind Azam FC, who have so far collected 47 points from 21 matches.
Yanga and Azam FC will be in action on April 14, 2024, playing at different venues. Yanga will meet Singida Fountain Gate FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza at 4 pm, while Azam FC will face Namungo FC at the Majaliwa Stadium at 7 pm.
Ihefu FC played well in the first half of the encounter and managed to create various scoring chances.
The team's leading striker, Elvis Rupia, was a thorn to Simba's defenders, who, however, stood firm to stop him from scoring.
Simba dominated the game, with Saido Ntibazonkiza being the man to be blamed for missing various clear scoring chances.
Simba assistant coach Seleman Matola blamed his players for failing to win the encounter due to a lack of concentration.
“I am disappointed at the result; we need to focus on our next matches, which we have to win as we still have a chance to do well and win the title,” said Matola.
Ihefu FC head coach Mecky Mexime commended his players for their outstanding performance in the encounter.
“We played well and made mistakes in the last 20 minutes of the game, allowing them to equalize. It should have been our game to collect all the three points,” said Mexime.
