Simba outshine Azam FC to claim Derby bragging rights
What you need to know:
- Goals from Lionel Ateba and Fabrice Ngoma were enough for the Msimbazi Street giants to win the match, dubbed the Mzizima Derby.
Dar es Salaam. Football giants Simba Sports Club continued their impressive run in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League today, September 26, 2024, with a 2-0 victory against Azam FC at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Goals from Lionel Ateba and Fabrice Ngoma were enough for the Msimbazi Street giants to win the match, dubbed the Mzizima Derby.
The victory means Simba now sit third with nine points from three matches, while Azam FC drops to fourth with eight points from five matches. Singida Black Stars lead the league with 12 points from four matches, and Fountain Gate FC is second with 10 points from five matches.
The match started at a slow pace, with both teams being cautious to avoid conceding early.
It was Simba who changed the pattern of the game in the fourth minute, starting to attack Azam FC, but the Ice Cream Makers' defenders were keen to clear all attacks.
Azam FC took command in the fifth minute, but Simba’s goalkeeper Moussa Camara made a tremendous save to clear Iddi Nado’s attempt from the left flank. Azam FC relied on counterattacks, with striker Nassor Saadun missing a clear scoring chance.
Simba continued to dominate the match, with Kibu Denis missing a clear chance following a defensive error by Azam’s Yoro Diaby.
Azam’s best chance came in the 29th minute when Feisal Salum "Fei Toto" hit the crossbar after a good pass from Nado.
Simba's Joshua Mutale then missed another opportunity following another mistake by Diaby.
In the 70th minute, Simba made a defensive change, bringing in Kelvin Kijili for Kibu Denis.
This substitution made it clear that Simba’s coach, Fadlu Davids, was looking to defend.
Azam FC also introduced Cheikh Diakite for Iddi Nado, which revived the match and led to several attacks. Diakite recorded Azam’s first shot on target, but Camara saved it, demonstrating his ability to play well with his feet.
The victory also means Simba have now won three consecutive league matches, scoring nine goals and conceding none.
Azam FC, on the other hand, suffered their first loss in the NBC Premier League.
The match was attended by many football fans, including the national football team, Taifa Stars head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman.
Simba’s goalie, Moussa Camara, emerged as the Man of the Match.
Prior to the match, Simba celebrated two awards, head coach Fadlu Davids was named coach of the month, and Jean Charles Ahoua was awarded Player of the month.
