Dar es Salaam. Simba’s perfect start to the Mainland Tanzania Premier League season came with another disciplinary setback yesterday as they beat Singida Black Stars 2-1 at Airtel Singida Stadium on August 22, 2026.
The victory moved Simba to nine points from three matches and sent them to the top of the table, but Anthony Mligo’s late dismissal means the club have now had three players sent off in their opening three league games.
Mligo was shown a straight red card in the 84th minute after a Football Video Support (FVS) review found that he had stepped on the back of Singida forward Yusuph Khamis while the player was making an attacking run.
The incident was the latest in a worrying disciplinary trend for Simba, who have struggled to finish matches with a full complement of players.
David Kameta “Duchu” was the first Simba player to see red this season when he was dismissed during the 2-0 victory over Kagera Sugar on August 16 after a foul on captain David Luhende.
Three days later, Nigerian midfielder Ibraheem Jabaar was sent off in Simba’s 2-1 victory over Pamba Jiji after a challenge on Abdulkarim Yunus.
Mligo’s dismissal now makes it three red cards in as many league matches, giving coach Steve Barker an issue to address despite his side’s flawless record.
The FVS technology played a decisive role at both ends of the game yesterday, first working against Simba before later helping them secure the winning goal.
Simba opened the scoring in the 12th minute when attacking midfielder Clatous Chama converted Libasse Gueye’s pass, giving the Senegalese winger his fourth assist of the season, the most in the league so far.
Singida responded in the 23rd minute through Shekhan Khamis, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Simba’s Hussein Abel.
Abel initially appeared to have dealt with a shot from Congolese forward Jeancy Mboma Kinda, only for the ball to fall kindly to Shekhan, who made no mistake.
Simba regained the lead in the 62nd minute through central defender Rushine De Reuck from the penalty spot.
The penalty was awarded following an FVS review after Singida midfielder Ahmed Pipino was judged to have fouled Simba defender Ismael Olivier Toure inside the box. Referee Ally Mnyupe subsequently pointed to the spot.
The result also extended Simba’s dominance over Singida at Airtel Singida Stadium. When the two sides last met at the venue on March 11, 2026, Simba also won 2-1, with Anicet Oura and Elie Mpanzu scoring for the visitors while Mossi Nduwumwe netted for Singida.
For now, Simba can celebrate another important victory and a 100 per cent league record. But beneath the perfect points tally lies a growing concern: if the red card trend continues, maintaining that winning momentum could become increasingly difficult.
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