Simba clash with Azam FC in city derby as league heats up
What you need to know:
- This match is crucial for both sides as they continue their campaigns for the league title, currently held by the Jangwani Street giants Yanga, who have won it three times consecutively.
Dar es Salaam. Football fans across the country eagerly await the highly anticipated clash between Simba SC and Azam FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium today in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League.
The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 7pm with both teams targeting victory to improve their standings in the league table.
This match is crucial for both sides as they continue their campaigns for the league title, currently held by the Jangwani Street giants, Young Africans (Yanga), who have won it three times consecutively.
Yanga are at the top of the standings with 52 points from 20 matches. Simba are second with 50 points from 19 matches, while Azam FC sit in third place with 43 points from 20 matches. A victory for Simba will keep the pressure on Yanga at the top, while a loss or draw will give their traditional rivals an advantage in maintaining their dominance in the title race. Records show that in the 33 matches played between these two teams, Simba have been the dominant side statistically.
Simba have won 13 times out of the 33 encounters, while Azam FC have won eight, with 12 matches ending in draws since the 2008/2009 season.
In total, Simba have collected 51 points against Azam FC, while Azam FC have garnered 36 points.
Statistics further show that Simba have scored 44 goals against Azam FC, whereas Azam FC have netted 32 goals against Simba. Simba head coach Fadlu Davids said that his team is focused on securing victory to keep their title hopes alive. “We need to do our best in this encounter. Azam FC are a strong team and will also be targeting victory, but we have prepared our players to win,” said Fadlu. He added that all his players are in top form and ready to maintain their winning streak in the league.
“Despite a tight fixture schedule, we are fully focused on winning this match. We secured a 3-0 away victory over Namungo FC, and now we need to maintain that same spirit in our upcoming matches,” he stated.
On the other hand, Azam FC head coach Rachid Taoussi expressed confidence in his squad, stressing that his players are in high spirits and determined to give their best against Simba. Taoussi admitted the challenge of facing a strong opponent but remains optimistic about his team’s chances of securing a positive result.
“We know that Simba always give their all when they play against us, but we are ready for the challenge. Our players are committed and determined to put up a strong performance,” said Taoussi.
He added that the match will not be easy, as they are facing one of the best teams in the league, and his players will need to remain fully focused throughout the game.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated showdown, fans can expect an intense and entertaining battle at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
