Simba in mission to leapfrog Azam in Mainland league

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania football giants, Simba SC, may climb up to the second position in the Mainland Premier League log if they win today over Mashujaa FC of Kigoma as the league continues at two different venues.

As Simba host Mashujaa FC at 8.15pm at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Singida Fountain Gate FC play at 4pm against Namungo FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

The matches are crucial for all the four teams in the league standings as the winners will improve their positions.

Simba are third with 42 points from 18 matches and victory will make them leapfrog Azam FC who are in the second place with 44 points from 20 matches.

If Simba record a draw or lose, they will remain in the third place. Mashujaa FC, who are placed 11th, will also be targeting victory in order to go up the league log.

Victory will make them collect 24 points and leapfrog three teams namely, Ihefu FC who are placed 10th with 23 points, Dodoma Jiji FC (9th, 23 points) and Namungo FC who are eighth with 23 points.

Mashujaa FC will also be seeking revenge after they were beaten 1-0 in the first leg held on February 3, 2024 at the Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma. Records show that in the past three league matches, Simba managed to win two and lose one while Mashujaa FC won two and drew one.

This difference in placement highlights the contrasting goals at stake – Simba aiming to maintain their upward trajectory, while Mashujaa FC desperately seek to claw their way out of the bottom half.

Simba assistant head coach Seleman Matola has instilled a sense of focus and determination within his squad as they approach this crucial match.

“It won’t be an easy match, Mashujaa FC are a formidable rival with the perfect record in their five matches. However, securing victory remains our primary objective,” said Matola. He said his players are spirited to win over  Mashujaa FC, whose head coach Abdallah  Mohammed also expressed his team’s unyielding ambition for victory..

Bares exuded confidence in his players’ form and preparation, believing they possess the capability to pull off a surprising upset. However, he admitted to face strong opposition from Simba.