Simba SC defender Mohammed Hussein (right) makes his way past Coastal Union midfielder Seleman Rajab during their Vodacom Premier League match at the National Stadium yesterday. They played out a two-all draw. photo | Said Khamis
What you need to know:
Simba, seeking revival after two bad seasons, led 2-0 until the breather through goals from Shaaban Kisiga and Amis Tambwe, but Coastal Union fought back to salvage a point through Yayo Lutimba and the Kenyan forward
Dar es Salaam. Coastal Union’s new striker Rama Salim scored late to deny Simba SC victory in their Vodacom Premier League opener at the National Stadium yesterday.
Simba, seeking revival after two bad seasons, led 2-0 until the breather through goals from Shaaban Kisiga and Amis Tambwe, but Coastal Union fought back to salvage a point through Yayo Lutimba and the Kenyan forward.
Enjoying an electric atmosphere at the 60,000-seat facility, Simba kicked off the match brightly with Ugandan Emmanuel Okwi troubling the visitors right from outset.
Coastal Union caught Simba napping in the fifth minute when Congolese Itubu Imbem crafted a chance for himself, but shot wide with Ivo Mapunda to beat.
Simba poured forward thereafter with Okwi nutmegging Coast defenders before he was brought down near the penalty box.
Kisiga, who joined Simba from Mtibwa Sugar, stepped up to take the free kick and curled it sumptuously past a stunned goalie-- Shaaban Kado.
After the goal, Simba looked more dangerous going forward, but the Tanga-based outfit’s defenders worked extra mile to thwart attacks.
Midway through the first half, Haruna Chanongo went close to doubling Simba’s advantage, but his close-range shot went off target.
Coastal Union responded on the half hour match when Suleiman Rajab cut down the right flank before delivering a cross that Itubu failed to tap home.
A 2-0 cushion at the breather gave Simba fans hopes that their team will make a winning start to the new season.
Simba found the back of the net 10 minutes before the half time when Tambwe, the last season’s top scorer, capitalised on Hassan Isihaka’s cross to head the ball past Kado.
After the resumption, Simba still dominated the game and missed many clear-cut chances with the culprits being Okwi, Pierre Kwizera and Chanongo.
Coastal Union introduced Lutimba for Rajab and the substitution paid off on the hour mark. After the goal, Simba became defensive while breaking forward cautiously.
The visitors continued to search for the equaliser and substitute Salim drew parity in the 82nd minute from a well taken free kick.
