Simba, Azam battle for top league spot
What you need to know:
- Simba and last season’s runners-up Azam FC tie on 20 points, but the Msimbazi Reds, who have two games without a win, are ahead on goal difference.
Dar es Salaam. The Mainland Premier League leadership may change hands again this afternoon, when leaders Simba and second-placed Azam FC go head-to-head at the National Stadium.
Simba and the ice-cream makers tie on 20 points, but the Msimbazi Reds are ahead on goal difference.
Fourth-placed and title-holders Young Africans are on the sidelines until tomorrow when they take on Tanga’s JKT Mgambo at the same venue.
Yanga have been in the touching distance of Simba for a week now. They have amassed 19 points so far, one adrift of their traditional rivals. This means a slip up for Abdallah Kibadeni’s boys in today’s encounter would see high-riding Azam grab the league reigns for the second time this season.
Kibadeni, whose team made a dramatic fight back against Yanga in a tension-rigged encounter nearly two weeks ago, predicted a tough match yesterday.
Simba overcame a 3-0 first half deficit to force the Jangwani Street outfit to a three-all draw before settling to a barren draw with Coastal Union at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.
Kibadeni said he has addressed mistakes he noted during their last two games and his players are ready for the match.
“Our fans were happy when we came from behind to settle for a 3-3 draw with our arch-rivals Yanga, but we know that they need more than that.”
“We will, therefore, be all out for three points at stake in tomorrow’s (today’s) game. We want to remain unruffled at the top of the league table,” said Kibadeni.
Their Burundian striker Amisi Tambwe and Betram Mwombeki, who played an inspirational role for the team’s dramatic fight back against Yanga, are among players they bank on for goals in today’s match.
Azam head coach, Stewart Hall also predicted a tough match, but remained optimistic that his team will win.
“Of course, Simba are a strong team, but we know that we must beat them if we are to go top. They should expect stiff resistance,” he said.
Strikers John Bocco, Kipre Tchetche and midfielder Salum Abubakari are among players Simba must mark tightly if they really want to silence ambitious Azam.
