Israel Saria
Simba kicked off the second half of the Mainland premier soccer league with resounding two goals victory over visiting Majimaji from Songea in the 12th round match played at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, yesterday.
Talismanic striker Musa Hassan scored once in each half to maintain Simba’s 12-point gap over rivals and title holders Young Africans who have 24 points.
The visitors looked determined as they kicked off the game confidently while Simba struggled to search for the opener.
Coached by their former player Peter Mhina, the Songea-based top flight side that regained premiership berth this season after long spells in the first division, played brilliantly in the opening half an hour.
Cracks were gradually observed as Simba intensified pressure with their strikers missing a host of scoring opportunities that came their way.
Majimaji trailed by Hassan’s opener after 38 minutes and never recovered up to the end of the first half. Simba’s Zambian coach Patrick Phiri introduced Mohamed Kijuso while replacing Kenyan import Mike Barasa in his striking force.
Kijuso was a constant menace into the visitor’s defence and was instrumental in the build up towards Simba’s second goal of the day, again through Hassan after 72 minutes.
Playing with unwavering composure, Simba piled more pressure on their opponents but profligacy dominated upfront, while their strikers squandered numerous scoring opportunities that would have extended their winning margin.
With 36 points in their collection kitty, Simba look forward to their 13th round match against Tanzania Prisons at the same venue on Saturday.
Dominant at the standings table, Simba need to win the next six out of the ten matches to stand firmly on course for the silverware collection of the season.
Majimaji are still in Dar es Salaam while waiting for their return leg tie against JKT Ruvu on January 27 at Uhuru Stadium.
Though it’s too early to predict, Majimaji are still glued at 18 points mark as they need to step up efforts should they remain on the premiership berth yet for another season.
Unless JKT Ruvu beat Tanzania Prisons on Wednesday, Majimaji are still at their fifth place in the premiership standings table.
Line-ups:
Majimaji FC
Said Mohamed, Abdallah Ausi, Idd Ajiro, Evarist Maganga, Juma Mwabababu, Sixmund Mwasekaga, Patrick Bethwel, Ramadhani Kibuta/Kulwa Mobi, Athumani Majani/Omar Kapilima, Lucio Almasi/George Lukindo
Coach: Peter Mhina
Simba: Juma Kaseja, Salum Kanoni, Juma Jabu, Juma Nyoso, Kelvin Yondani, Nico Nyagawa, Mohamed Banka, Musa Mgosi, Ramadhani Chombo, Mike Barasa/Mohamed Kijuso, Ulimboka Mwakingwe/Jerry Santo.
Coach: Patrick Phiri
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