Ateba, Kapombe shine as Simba beat Tabora United to overtake Yanga at the top

Dar es Salaam. Two goals from Leonel Ateba and one from Shomari Kapombe helped Simba defeat Tabora United 3-0 in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League on February 2, 2025, at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium in Tabora.

The victory sees the Msimbazi Street giants leapfrog their traditional rivals, defending champions Young Africans (Yanga), in the standings.

Ateba opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful shot just outside the box that beat Tabora United’s Gabonese goalkeeper, Jean-Noel Amonome.

Despite Tabora United's effort to equalize, Ateba struck again in the 32nd minute, converting a penalty after Faria Ondongo fouled Simba’s Elia Mpanzu.

The match referee, Kefa Kayombo from Mbeya, booked Ondongo with a yellow card for the foul.

Simba's third goal came in the 66th minute, following a precise pass from Ateba, which allowed Shomari Kapombe to finish with ease.

This victory sees Simba collecting 43 points from 16 matches, surpassing Yanga, who sit in second place with 42 points from 16 matches.

Azam FC are in third place with 36 points from 16 matches, while Singida Big Stars follow in fourth with 33 points. Tabora United remain in fifth place with 25 points from 16 matches.

Simba started the match strongly, pressing hard against a Tabora United team that opted for a defensive strategy.

Despite their defensive approach, Tabora United, also known as "The Bees," only managed one notable attack in the first half.

In the 29th minute, Offen Chikola had a chance, but Simba's goalkeeper, Moussa Camara, made a crucial save to preserve his team's lead.

The match demonstrated Simba’s clinical finishing, while Tabora United struggled to find the back of the net.