Dar es Salaam. After the dramatic 2-2 draw between traditional rivals Simba and Young Africans (Yanga) in the Mainland Premier League, attention now shifts to the women’s game where another highly anticipated derby is set to take place.
League leaders Simba Queens will host second-placed Yanga Princess at the Azam Complex on May 15, 2025 at 5pm in a match that could have a huge impact on the Women’s Premier League title race.
The clash is expected to attract massive attention from football fans eager to witness another chapter in one of Tanzania’s growing football rivalries.
When the two sides met earlier this season, Yanga Princess suffered a 2-0 defeat at the same venue, with goals from Jentrix Shikangwa and Aisha Mnunka handing Simba Queens maximum points.
This time, however, much more than bragging rights is at stake. The match carries enormous significance in the race for the league title, with only a few rounds remaining before the season concludes.
Simba Queens enter the derby sitting comfortably at the top of the standings with 43 points from 15 matches. Their impressive campaign includes 14 victories and one draw, making them the only unbeaten side in the competition this season.
The Msimbazi Street side have also established themselves as the strongest defensive team in the league after conceding only two goals in 15 matches.
Yanga Princess, meanwhile, are second with 39 points, just four points behind their rivals. Victory for Simba Queens would extend the gap to seven points and place them in a commanding position to secure the championship.
A win for Yanga Princess, however, would reduce the difference to only one point and completely revive the title race heading into the final matches of the campaign.
The importance of the encounter has led many football followers to describe it as a “mini-final” because the outcome could shape the destiny of the championship.
Apart from the battle for the title, the derby also has implications in the race for second place. JKT Queens are currently third with 38 points, just one behind Yanga Princess. If Yanga Princess lose, they risk dropping to third place while allowing Simba Queens to tighten their grip at the summit.
For Simba Queens, victory would therefore deliver a double advantage, moving closer to the title while simultaneously weakening one of their biggest rivals.
Historically, Simba Queens have dominated this fixture. Since 2019, the two teams have met 18 times in different competitions, including the Community Shield, with Simba Queens winning 12 matches compared to Yanga Princess’ three victories, while three games ended in draws.
In league meetings alone, Simba Queens have won 10 out of 14 matches, underlining their superiority in recent years. However, football derbies are rarely decided by statistics alone. Tactical discipline, determination and composure under pressure often become the key factors.
The technical battle between coaches Mussa Hassan 'Mgosi' and Edna Lema is also expected to play a crucial role.
Although Edna Lema will miss the match from the bench following a red card suspension, her influence on Yanga Princess’ preparations remains significant. Both coaches are respected for their tactical awareness and ability to make quick changes during matches, especially in midfield battles where the game could be decided.
The encounter will also feature some of the league’s most dangerous attacking players. Yanga Princess Striker Jeannine Mukandayisenga currently leads the scoring chart with 19 goals and has been central to her team’s attacking success this season.
Simba Queens will rely heavily on Jentrix Shikangwa, who has scored 12 goals and remains one of the club’s most reliable forwards.
Speaking ahead of the match, Simba Queens striker Aisha Mnunka said her side is fully focused on collecting three points to strengthen their title ambitions.
“It is a very important match and we have prepared well because we know what is at stake. Winning will put us in a very strong position in the title race,” she said. Yanga Princess midfielder Agnes Pallangyo insisted the derby would not be decided by tactics alone.
“Derby matches require commitment and determination from players. Every player wants to win because this is a crucial game for both teams,” she said.
