Simba intensify Mainland Tanzania Premier League title race after win against Azam FC
Simba SC players celebrate after scoring against Azam FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on May 9, 2024. Simba won 3-0. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Currently, Simba are third with 56 points from 25 matches, one point behind Azam FC, who are placed in the second position with 57 points from 26 matches.
Dar es Salaam. Football giants, Simba, have revived their hopes of finishing in the top two positions of the Mainland Tanzania Premier League following their 3-1 victory against Azam FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on May 9, 2024.
Goals from Sadio Kanoute in the 63rd minute, Fabrice Ngoma in the 77th minute, and David “Duchu” Kameta in the 89th minute were enough for the Msimbazi Street giants to intensify the title race, as well as secure second place and the chance to represent the country in the CAF Champions League next season.
Before the 3-0 victory, Simba were in danger of missing the CAF Champions League slot due to the point’s gap against Azam FC.
Currently, Simba are third with 56 points from 25 matches, one point behind Azam FC, who are placed in the second position with 57 points from 26 matches.
Arithmetically, if Simba win their next match to be played on Sunday, May 12, 2024, against Kagera Sugar at the Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera, they will collect 59 points and leapfrog Azam FC into the second place with a two-point gap.
Azam FC will be in action on May 12, playing against KMC at the Azam Complex.
So far, Yanga, who are the defending champions, are at the top with 68 points from 26 matches. Yanga are now 11 points ahead of Azam FC and 12 points ahead of Simba.
Basically, Yanga need only four points from the four matches remaining in the league to win the title for the third time in a row.
If Yanga collect four points, they will have 72 points that cannot be reached by Simba and Azam FC. Simba can reach 71 points if they win all five remaining matches, and Azam FC can collect a maximum of 69 points if they win all four remaining matches.
Yanga will be in action on May 13, 2024, against Mtibwa Sugar at the Manungu Complex in Turiani, Morogoro region.
The match was thrilling, and both teams played well while missing various clear scoring chances. Azam FC’s leading scorer, Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum, missed a spot kick in the 35th minute as his shot hit the goal post.
Azam FC dominated the first half while Simba rejuvenated in the second half and dominated the encounter.
Records show that Simba’s interim head coach, Juma Mgunda, who took over from Algerian Adelhak Benchikha, has led the team to collect 10 points with three wins and one draw.
