Simba post 2-0 to reclaim pilot seat

SIMBA climbed top of the Premier League table for the second time this season after cruising to a 2-0 win over a battling Mbeya City side at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Msimbazi street boys capitalized on Young Africans- Azam’s slip on Saturday when the two sides, previously above them, shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw that gave Simba an opportunity to go top of the pile.

And the Reds didn’t allow the chance to pass them by, but were made to sweat as Mbeya City pushed Jackson Mayanja’s side all the way -- with late strike by Danny Lyanga and an own goal by Hassan Mwasapili awarding them the much sought three points.

The win, Simba’s first ever triumph against Mbeya City at the National Stadium, and the second in six attempts, marked another spirited performance from Mayanja’s charges, who are looking more and more like genuine title challengers with every passing game.

The result means that Simba now lead the pack on 48 points from 21 games, one point ahead of previous leaders Yanga and Azam, who, however, have a game in hand. It was a hard-earned victory as the hosts toiled to break down a resolute Mbeya City defence for much of the match -- with Hamis Kiiza and Ibrahim Hajib often struggling to make impact in the thriller.

It wasn’t until the introduction of Lyanga, Awadhi Juma and Hassan Kessy as second-half substitutes that Simba finally made the breakthrough deep in the second half. Simba were the quickest out of the blocks and won a corner in the opening minutes but Mbeya City’s defence, marshalled by Tumba Sued, stood tall and cleared Hajib’s delivery.

The visitors showed what was on offer going forward when Haruna Shamte, Joseph Mwasapili and Haruna Moshi combined well in the 4th minute to set up Joseph Mahundi whose shot hit the side net. It sent a clear warning to the hosts.

Two minutes later, Hajib charged into the box and under pressure from Sued, he let fly with a powerful shot that sailed well over the goal. Simba launched a good counter attack the following minute but it was all spoiled by Jonas Mkude’s poor first touch from inside the box, which allowed City defenders to clear the ball.

Ugandan Brian Majwega missed a golden opportunity to open the score after dilly dallying with the ball following an inch-perfect cross from the industrious Mwinyi Kazimoto. Kazimoto was doing a commendable job down the right flank, whipping in a number of inviting crosses but his teammates frequently let him down.

Mbeya City threatened to take the lead shortly after the half hour mark with Mahundi denied by the woodwork with a well taken free-kick. Simba went close to breaking the deadlock in the 34th minute when Majwega drew a fine save from Mbeya City custodian Hannington Kalyesebula, resulting to an abortive corner kick.

With the game drawing to the interval, City launched a few attacks that led to three futile corners in succession and the two teams headed for the breather tied in goalless draw.

Mayanja replaced the ineffective Majwega for the muscular Lyanga at the start of the second half. The game was evenly contested in this half with both teams pushing forward at every opportunity in search of the opening goal.

Simba made another substitution thirteen minutes into the second half, whereby the team’s top scorer, Kiiza, with 16 goals so far this season, paving way for midfielder-cum-attacker Awadhi Juma.

The pressure was mounting on Simba and Reds players looked desperate, unleashing ambitious shots from distance. City coach Malawian Kinnah Phiri made his first substitution by replacing Haruna Moshi with Themi Felix but it was the introduction of Kessy by his counterpart Mayanja that seemed to change the complexion of the game. Simba started to cement their authority, with more meaningful attacks.

The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 75th minute through Lyanga, who pounced on a rebound after Kalyesebula had done well to block Juma’s blockbuster following a fine piece of work by Hajib down the left flank.

Hajib’s elegance once again proved decisive as he danced past City defender before his low cross across the face of the goal was diverted into the back of the net by a desperate Mwasapili, sealing a perfect win for Simba.