Simba still waiting for first win
Simba SC Ugandan forward Emmanuel Okwi reacts following a challenge from Saleh Abdallah of Stand United during their Vodacom Premier League match at the National Stadium yesterday. They drew 1-1.Photo | Said Khamis
What you need to know:
Okwi, Tambwe and Said Ndemla had a couple of chances in the second half, but nonetheless could not score the winner.
Dar es Salaam. Simba SC search for their first Vodacom Premier League victory continues after playing out a 1-1 draw against plucky Stand United at the National Stadium yesterday.
The Msimbazi Street heavyweights took the lead through Shaban Kisiga in the 35th minute, but seconds before the breather, Kheri Mohammed levelled.
The Patrick Phiri-coached side has drawn all their three opening matches. They have three points out of a possible nine.
The match got underway with Simba crafting several early chances, but Emmanuel Okwi and Amis Tambwe were the culprits for failing to convert.
The home team, enjoying support form thousands of their fans, dominated the game, but Stand United nearly drew the first blood in the 25th minute.
Seleman Jingo initiated the attack that caught Simba defenders napping. He threaded the ball through to Mussa Said, but could not beat on-rushing goalkeeper Hussein Sharrif.
In the 33rd minute, Okwi delivered a telling cross in the Stand United box, but Tambwe’s header went over the bar.
However, Simba opened the scoring two minutes later when Kisiga outpaced Stand United defenders before chipping the ball over shot-stopper John Mwenda.
After the goal, the visitors responded almost immediately, but Omary Mtaki’s close range shot was superbly saved by the Simba custodian. Stand United’s efforts paid off in the 45th minute when Mohammed latched onto Soud Mohamed’s pass to bring the score level.
After the resumption, Simba looked the better side, but still lacked precision in front of the goal.
Okwi, Tambwe and Said Ndemla had a couple of chances in the second half, but nonetheless could not score the winner.
In Mbeya, defending champions Azam FC fought to a goalless draw against Tanzania Prisons while Coastal Union beat Ndanda FC 2-1 in Tanga.
Ruvu Shooting held Mbeya City to a barren draw while Polisi Morogoro shared the spoils with Kagera Sugar (1-1) at Jamhuri Stadium.
Azam continues to lead the 14-team table with seven points followed by Mtibwa Sugar (6).
