Africa-Press – Tanzania. DAR ES SALAAM Derby fever continues to grip football fans ahead of the first battle of giants; Simba and Young Africans at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.
Only four days have remained on the calendar before witnessing the classic game which usually halts normal businesses of people across the country as they spare 90 minutes on their clock to watch the explosive encounter.
Coincidentally, it will be the battle between the current league toppers Yanga versus second- placed Simba with two points separating them as such; it is more like a final encounter.
To Yanga, a win will see them establishing a five-point gap at the top of the table of which their opponents will not be in a position to let it happen easily and here is where the beauty of the game stands.
On the other hand, a victory to Simba will see them leapfrogging their traditional rivals as they will stamp 20 points thereby leading the log with a point.
From this fact, the final output on the day will open a new chapter in the race for the championship.
Likewise, a draw will be a good results for Yanga as they will claim 20 points to continue navigating the league and remain on course to achieve their plans of winning the season’s championship.
Until this round, both teams are yet to stamp a defeat in the ongoing campaign as each has played seven games meaning that they remain with 23 matches before winding up the season.
From the played seven fixtures, Yanga have won many games (6) than any other team in the race drawing one match (1-1) against Namungo and have also taken the driver’s seat in terms of scoring more goals (12) compared to the rest sides.
Their counterparts Simba, from seven played games, have won five duels, stamped two draws and scored eight goals to generate 17 points to stay glued to the second slot.
However, when it comes to conceded goals, both teams have let in two goals which in a nutshell means they both have had good defence display from their fulfilled assignments.
Also, another interesting part on Saturday will be the area of goalkeeping as both shot-stoppers Aishi Manula (Simba) and Djigui Diarra (Yanga) have each recorded five clean-sheets.
Manula could have had six clean sheets but he conceded during their past league match against Geita Gold at Benjamin Mkapa venue in the city which saw the defending champions emerging 2-1 victors.
Though it is still a long way to go before the season ends, already, the battle for the safest hands between Manula and Diarra is becoming interesting with each having his unique qualities.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
