Simba SC, Azam FC face off in billed thrilling clash in Zanzibar
What you need to know:
- The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 8:30pm., and each team will be targeting victory to improve their standings in the league
Dar es Salaam. All ears will likely be eagerly waiting to hear the result of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League’s match today between the country's football giants, Simba SC and Azam FC, at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 8:30pm., and each team will be targeting victory to improve their standings in the league.
It is a crucial match for both teams in their campaigns for the title currently held by the Jangwani Street giants, Young Africans (Yanga), who have won it three consecutive times.
Azam FC is placed third with eight points from four matches, while Simba is sixth with six points from two matches.
An Azam FC win against Simba would take them to second place with 11 points, just one point behind league leaders Singida Black Stars, who have collected 12 points from four matches.
The point would also put them one ahead of the second-placed team, Fountain Gate FC, who have collected 10 points. If Simba wins the encounter, it will take them to third place, leapfrogging Azam FC by one point.
In their last match, played on May 9, 2024, Simba won 3-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Records show that they have met 34 times in the league since the 2008/2009 season, with Simba winning 14 matches, while Azam has won eight. The remaining 12 games ended in draws.
Simba's head coach Fadlu Davids said they are targeting victory in the encounter as they aim to continue collecting points in the league.
“We need to do our best in the encounter. Azam FC is a strong team that is also aiming to emerge victorious, but we have prepared our players for victory,” Fadlu said.
He mentioned that all his players are in top form and ready to maintain their winning streak in the league. Azam FC coach, renowned Moroccan tactician Rachid Taoussi, said his players are in high spirits and ready to do their best against Simba.
Taoussi explained that despite facing a huge task against the giants Simba, they hope to win the encounter.
“I am happy with my players' progress in the league, and they are focused on facing Simba. We are ready for the challenge, and we have committed players who are ready to do their best,” insisted Taoussi.