Simba versus Yanga: A tricky clash for the heavyweights

Traditional arch-rivals Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga) meet today at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam in a tricky clash for the two heavyweights of Tanzanian football.

The match kicks off at 5pm and is the 111th meeting between the two teams in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League since 1965.

Yanga have the upper hand in the head-to-head record, with 38 wins to Simba's 32 and 40 draws. They have also scored more goals, with 113 to Simba's 103.

Yanga, the defending champions, will be looking to maintain their supremacy over Simba, while the Msimbazi Street side will be aiming to keep their unbeaten run in the league intact.

In their last league encounter in April this season, Simba won 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, a victory that put Yanga's title celebrations on hold for some time. Simba also won 3-1 on penalties against Yanga in the Community Shield encounter held at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.

The match will also be a litmus test for Yanga's new head coach, Miguel Gamondi, who is leading the team for the second time this season.

Simba are expected to line up with Ali Salim, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Henock Inonga, Che Fondoh Malone, Sadio Kanoute, Fabrice Ngoma, Kibu Dennis, Jean Baleke, Saido Ntibazonkiza and Clatous Chama.

Yanga are likely to field Djigui Diarra, Yao Kouassi, Joyce Lomalisa, Ibrahim Bacca, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Khalid Aucho, Pacome Zouzoua, Clement Mzize, Stephane Aziz and Maxi Nzengeli.

Unlike other matches, this derby has a direct impact on the title race, as Yanga lead the league standings with 18 points from seven matches, while Simba have the same number of points from six matches.