AfricaPress-Tanzania: SIMBA intensified their title-defence race with a convincing 2-1 victory over hosts Dodoma FC at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma on Thursday.
The victory earned Simba 38 points that placed them six points inferior to the leaders Young Africans who are commanding the league race with 44 points. It was their 16th game as they will still remain with two games in hand.
The victory was a clear warning to Azam, their next opponents. Simba and Azam meet at Benjamin Mkapa stadium in Dar es Salaam this Sunday after both teams playing international friendly games with African football giants TP Mazembe.
Simba’s Aishi Manula played a vital role in Simba’s victory, He was brilliant between the posts, saving many dangers that could have changed the results. Goals from Meddie Kagere and Bernard Morrison helped Simba to stamp a hard-earned victory.
Simba were the first to open goal account in the 29th minute through Meddie Kagere. It was Kagere’s 8th goal of the season. He is now a joint top scorer tying with teammate John Bocco.
Cleophas Mkandala equalised six minutes later after heading home a Jamal Mtegeta’s cornerkick from the left flank. A few seconds before the breather, Simba squandered an opportunity to score the second goal when Clatous Chama blasted wide a free kick just outside the box.
Simba came a rejuvenated side in the second half creating many goods move towards Dodoma City goal. However they missed some golden chances. In the 51st minute Kennedy Juma headed away a volley from Clatous Chama.
Three minutes later Simba wasted another opportunity when Chama released a feeble shot that easily landed at the waiting hands of Aaron Kalambo. A minute later Simba’s custodian Aishi Manula was called to save Mtegeta’s powerful shot just outside the box.
In the 61st minute, Simba introduced Perfect Chikwende for Luis Miquissone in a bid to strengthen their attacking sector. The substitution paid off for Simba in the 70th minute when the Ghanaian import, Bernard Morrison scored the second goal to make Simba lead 2-1.
In the 84th minute Larry Bwalya saw his powerful shot just outside the box going a few inches off target. Speaking after the match, Simba’s coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa was delighted with the victory but declined to comment on their next game against Azam
