Simba held by KMC as title race heats up

Dar es Salaam. Simba's pursuit of the Tanzanian Premier League title suffered a blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw by KMC on Saturday, leaving them trailing leaders Azam FC by eight points and Yanga by four.

Simba started brightly, but it was KMC who struck first in the 31st minute. Awesu Awesu, after being fouled by Essomba Onana, cleverly restarted play, releasing Waziri Junior to coolly slot home.

The goal spurred KMC on, but Simba roared back after the break. Said Ntibanzokiza converted a penalty in the 57th minute to equalize, before Jean Baleke, just a minute later, put the Msimbazi Reds ahead with a fine header from Shomari Kapombe's cross.

However, KMC refused to go down without a fight. Tepsi Evans' shot was spilled by Simba goalkeeper Ayoub Lakred, and Waziri Junior was on hand to tap in the equalizer in the 89th minute, sending the KMC into frenzy.

The draw leaves Simba frustrated in third place with 23 points from 10 games, while KMC remain in seventh on 17 points. Title rivals Azam FC hold a commanding lead with 31 points, while Yanga are hot on their heels with 27 points.

Simba's defensive solidity has been their hallmark this season, but lapses in concentration, like the one for KMC's second goal, could prove costly in the title race.

The understanding between Lakred and his defenders, particularly Che Malone, was crucial in helping the goalkeeper minimize mistakes during the intense match.

Simba face a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks, starting with a home game against Coastal Union next Saturday.

They need to find consistency and convert draws into wins if they are to challenge for the title.