Yanga, Simba in fierce title race

Dar es Salaam. The 2024/2025 NBC Premier League season has evolved into a thrilling spectacle, with Tanzania’s two football powerhouses, Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC), locked in an intense battle for the title.

The two giants have stamped their authority in the league, leaving no room for any challengers to break their dominance.

Simba SC currently lead the table with 43 points, having displayed remarkable consistency by winning 14 matches, drawing one, and losing just once.

The Msimbazi Reds have also been solid in attack, netting 34 goals, while their rock-solid defense has conceded only five (5) goals, giving them an impressive goal difference of +29.

However, Yanga SC are breathing down their necks, sitting just one point behind with 42 points. The defending champions have also won 14 matches but have drawn two, losing two so far.

They boast the most lethal attack in the league, having scored 36 goals, while their defence has been equally formidable, conceding just six goals, earning them the best goal difference of +30.

With such fine margins separating the two rivals, every match day becomes a potential turning point. The stage is set for a dramatic finish, as both teams refuse to give up ground in their quest for the NBC Premier League crown.

A league of fire-power

So far, 273 goals have been scored in 16 rounds, reflecting the attacking intensity of the league. While Simba and Yanga lead the charge in scoring, Azam FC have also shown attacking prowess, netting 25 goals to secure 36 points and sit comfortably in third place.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, KenGold FC are struggling to find the back of the net, with just 11 goals scored in 16 matches.

Their inability to capitalise on goal-scoring opportunities have played a major role in their position at the bottom of the standings.

Teams struggling at the back

While the top teams boast impressive defensive records, KenGold FC hold the unwanted record of conceding the most goals in the league (29 goals).

Their breakable backline have been a key factor in their dismal performance, and unless they tighten up their defence, their relegation fate seems inevitable.

Kagera Sugar are also struggling at the back, having conceded 23 goals, while Dodoma Jiji and KMC FC have both let in 21 goals each. Namungo FC, sitting in 12th place, have leaked 19 goals, contributing to their risky position in the standings.

At the top, Simba SC and Yanga SC have turned their defenses into fortresses, conceding just five (5) and six (6) goals, respectively. Their defensive stability have been the foundation of their dominance and will be crucial in determining who claims the league title.

Relegation battle

The battle at the bottom of the table is just as intense as the title race, with four teams fighting to escape the drop zone.

Tanzania Prisons (14 points) and Pamba Jiji (12 points) currently occupy the relegation playoff spots, meaning they still have a chance to fight for survival through a playoff.

However, Kagera Sugar (11 points) and KenGold FC (6 points) are in deep trouble, as they sit in the direct relegation zone.

Their poor performances have put them at serious risk of dropping out of the league, and only a drastic improvement in form can save them from the dreaded relegation axe.

KenGold FC’s -18 goal difference, coupled with just one win in 16 matches, paints a bleak picture of their survival hopes. With time running out, the team must find a way to turn things around, or they will be relegated without a fight.