Simba edge closer to Yanga after narrow win over Singida Black Stars
What you need to know:
- The win lifts the Msimbazi Street giants to 72 points from 27 matches, just one point behind league leaders
Dar es Salaam. Steven Mukwala’s lone goal against Singida Black Stars was enough to hand Simba SC a hard-fought victory in a Mainland Tanzania Premier League match held today, May 28, 2025 at the KMC Complex.
Mukwala struck in the 42nd minute, finishing off a fine assist from Jean Ahoua in a thrilling contest.
The win lifts the Msimbazi Street giants to 72 points from 27 matches, just one point behind league leaders and defending champions, Young Africans (Yanga), who have 73 points from the same number of matches.
Simba started the encounter aggressively, launching several attacking moves early in the game. Their intentions were clear, but the Singida Black Stars defense, marshalled by Anthony Tra Bi Tra, remained solid and difficult to break down.
Joshua Mutale, Simba’s attacking midfielder, squandered a golden opportunity in the 23rd minute. The chance came from a well-timed overlapping run and cross by right-back Shomari Kapombe, but Mutale failed to convert with only the goalkeeper to beat.
On the other end, Singida Black Stars also had a promising chance in the 34th minute, when Victorien Adebayor fired just wide from outside the penalty box, missing the opportunity to give his side the lead.
After Mukwala's goal, both teams continued to press in search of another goal, but resolute defending and missed chances ensured that the scoreline remained 1-0 until the final whistle.
Simba’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, praised his players for securing the vital three points, especially considering their tight schedule.
“My players just returned from the CAF Confederation Cup final, and it’s only been two days since then,” said Davids. “Despite the fatigue, they fought hard, showed great mentality, and deserved to win. I commend them for their commitment and determination.”
Meanwhile, Singida Black Stars head coach David Ouma expressed frustration with the officiating, claiming that his team was denied two clear penalties.
“We played well in both halves and managed to push Simba into their own half on several occasions,” said Ouma. “In the first half, we should have been awarded a penalty, and one of Simba’s players should have received a red card. In the second half, we had another penalty claim that was turned down. I believe we were the better team today.”
With only a few matches left in the season, the race for the Mainland Premier League title remains intense. Simba's narrow victory keeps their hopes alive as they chase Yanga for the top spot.
