Lipuli FC midfielder Hamadi Manzi (left) is challenged by Simba defender Ally Shomary during the Mainland Premier League match at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO| MICHAEL MATEMANGA
Dar es Salaam. Simba’s smooth run in the Mainland Premier League became a little bumpy yesterday when Lipuli forced them to a one-all draw at the Uhuru Stadium.
But the Msimbazi Reds remain unruffled at the summit of the league table with 23 points from 11 matches, two ahead of their arch-rivals Young Africans.
The top spot, however, may change hands today when second-placed Azam FC take on Mtibwa Sugar at Azam Complex.
Azam sit second with 22 points, one adrift of leaders Simba and one ahead third-placed Young Africans, who also dropped two vital points in their 1-1 draw with Tanzania Prisons at the Azam Complex on Saturday.
Lipuli went into yesterday’s game as underdogs against an expensively assembled Msimbazi Street side, featuring a number of vastly experienced players.
Despite boasting the attacking talents of Shiza Kichuya, John Bocco, Emmanuel Okwi and Laudit Mavugo, Simba have struggled to breach teams that defend superbly.
And the Iringa-based team defended superbly yesterday, especially in the second half.
Simba, needing a win to go four points clear at the top of the league table, made a bright start, but had trouble in breaking down the Lipuli defence.
The Msimbazi street giants fluffed two chances early in the first half, the culprits being their regular goal-scorer Shiza Kichuya and John Bocco.
Two minutes into the game, Kichuya cleverly sneaked between two defenders just outside the penalty box, only to see his shot cleared by goalkeeper Agathon Mkwando.
Another chance for the hosts to break the stalemate came three minutes later when Bocco’s close-range shot narrowly missed target as they pressed upfront relentlessly for the match-opener.
Their efforts paid off in the 14th minute when midfielder Mwinyi Kazimoto swiftly latched onto a Mzamiru Yasin pass to beat goalkeeper Mkwando with tricky shot.
Joseph Omog’s men slightly relaxed after the goal, enabling Lipuli to take command of the proceedings.
They levelled matters in the 19th minute through Asante Kwasi, whose superb free kick gave Simba goalkeeper Aishi Manula bo chance.
Simba missed what could have been their second goal in the 45th minute when Bocco, with only goalie Mkwando to beat, failed to connect home pass from Kichuya.
Lipuli FC assistant coach Seleman Matola showered praise on his players, saying forcing a top team like Simba to a draw was a clear indication that they are capable of performing impressively this season.
