Simba revive hopes for Caf spot
Simba midfielder Said Ndemla(left) vies for the ball with Mgambo JKT defenders during their Vodacom Premier League match at the National Stadium yesterday. Simba won 4-0. PHOTO | said khamis
What you need to know:
The Msimbazi Street giants still sit third with 38 points after 23 matches, four points adrift of Azam.
Dar es Salaam. Emmanuel Okwi scored a hat-trick to guide Simba SC to a 4-0 thumping of Mgambo JKT at the National Stadium yesterday.
The victory, which was also a sweet revenge, took Simba to within touching distance of second placed Azam FC.
The Msimbazi Street giants still sit third with 38 points after 23 matches, four points adrift of Azam.
Simba will be keeping their fingers crossed for Azam to drop points in their remaining matches as they plot leapfrogging the defending champions to the second spot, which would guarantee them a place in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Two teams will represent the Mainland in Caf competitions with Young Africans looking assured of featuring in the African Champions League.
Mgambo, who occupy the ninth spot with 28 points, made a bright start to the game hoping to extend their dominance over the Goran Kopunociv’s men.
Abuu Daudi riffled a powerful shot in the first minute, forcing Simba shot-stopper Ivo Mapunda into a magnificent save.
The Tanga-based outfit came close to scoring two minutes later, but Salim Kipaga failed to convert a free kick taken by Fully Maganga.
Simba came into the game after five minutes and Ibrahim Hajib headed home, but the goal was disallowed by the referee.
Okwi, who was the man of the match, broke the deadlock in the ninth minute with a thunderbolt capitalizing on a deft pass from Hassan Kessy.
Ramadhani Singano doubled the lead in the 16th minute from a superb free kick that left Mgambo goalie Godson Mmasa ball watching.
Mgambo responded in the 19th minute after a quick exchange of passes, but Malimi Busungu’s half volley flew slightly over the crossbar.
Okwi took the score beyond Mgambo’s reach in the 41st minute, taking advantage of a defensive mix-up between Busungu and Novaty Lufunga.
After the resumption, Simba played with pace and the Ugandan sealed his hat-trick in the 51st minute after rounding off the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the net. The visitors, who blanked Simba 2-0 in the first round, fought hard to reduce the deficit, but were let down by poor finishing.
Line ups: Simba: Ivo Mapunda, Hassan Kessy, Mohammed Hussein, Joseph Owino, Juuko Mursheed, Jonas Mkude, Ramadhani Singano, Said Ndemla, Ibrahim Hajib, Emmanuel Okwi, Awadh Juma.
Mgambo JKT; Godson Mmasa, Abuu Daudi, Salum Mlima, Salum Kipaga, Novart Lufunga, Ramadhan Malima, Ally Nassoro, Mohammed Samatta, Malimi Busungu, Fully Maganga, Salum Gilla.
