Simba (Wekundu wa msimbazi) win, see realistic title chance

GIANTS Simba opened up a seven-point lead over rivals Young Africans and Azam FC in the Mainland Premier League with a 2-0 victory against Coastal Union at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga yesterday.

Simba were at their freeflowing best away to Coastal Union and a Danny Lyanga’s header in the first half and then another free header from Hamisi Kiiza in the second half was enough to see off the spirited challenge of Ally Jangalu’s side.

The victory saw Simba firmly holding the driver’s seat after posting 57 points from 24 games, while their closer competitors Yanga who is the defending champions and Azam are tied on 50 points with both side having three games in hand. On the other hand, Coastal Union remained bottom of the league table with 19 points from 24 games and the battle for survival in the topflight league require miracles.

Simba can clinch a first league title in four years by winning all the remaining six matches and pray that their closest challengers drop at least three points. As predicted, the match was tough as Coastal Union battled hard for maximum points to avoid relegation, but it was a tall order against title starving Simba.

It was a bright start for Simba and only two minutes from the kick off attacking midfielder, Mwinyi Kazimoto, skipped past defenders but was fouled at the edge of the box before pulling a trigger.

The home side also launched a deadly attack three minutes later but former Simba striker, Ali Ahmed ‘Shiboli’ failed to beat goalkeeper, Vincent Angban from a close range.

Then Said Ndemla forced himself into the box but his feeble shot was easily collected by the keeper, Fikirini Bakari. Simba continued to pour forward with deadly forays and in the 23rd minute left wing back, Mohamed Hussein’s inviting cross into the area was cleared by Adeyum Saleh, then skipper Jonas Mkude tested the keeper with ferocious shot that narrowly missed the target.

Lyanga saw his shot bouncing off the wood work in the 32nd minute after being put through by Kazimoto as Simba continued to raise the tempo. Kiiza ought to have scored in the 38th minute but his low shot was easily dealt with by the keeper.

After several near misses, Lyanga connected with a free header from Mohammed Hussein’s cross from the left side. Lyanga almost made it 2-0 but was flagged off for an offside three minutes before the interval.

In the closing stages of the first half Kiiza and Lyanga failed to keep their composure and the former’s shot sailed wide from another well measured cross from Hussein’s cross. Simba started the second half strongly but Coastal Union also threatened in some occasion.

Nigerian striker, Abasarim Chidiebele, who came in for Ismail Mohamed and sturdy Shiboli gave Simba defenders torrid evening, stretching them to the limit. However, it was Simba, who were home and dray after the 52nd minute, when Kiiza’s glancing header beat the keeper for a second goal.

The Ugandan connected home a cross from Emery Nimubona. It was Kiiza’s 19th goal for the Msimbazi street club. Simba maintained pressure and Lyanga shot direct into the waiting hands of the keeper inside the box in the 63rd minute after being set clear by Ndemla. Then Kiiza went close second later but he drove his shot narrowly wide aiming at the far post.

Shiboli was set clear in the 66th minute and racing clear ahead of central defenders - Juuko Murshid and Novat Lufunga, he shot wide. A real opportunity came for Ndemla in the 74th minute but the midfielder shot wide inside the box.

He was called off the bench and in his place came industrious Awadh Juma, while Coastal Union called in Said Jelain for ‘Shiboli’. In the dying minutes Simba introduced Musa Hassan ‘Mgosi’ for tiring legs of Kazimoto.

In another match, Stand United fought to a 1-1 draw with Ndanda FC at the Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga, while in Ruvuma Majimaji beat Mbeya City 3-1 at the Majimaji Stadium in Songea.