By Business Insider Reporter, Kigoma
Simba SC strengthened their Tanzania Premier League title ambitions after securing a vital 3-0 victory over Mashujaa FC at Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma, cutting the gap at the top of the table to just two points.
The result significantly reshapes the title race after league leaders Young Africans SC suffered a shock defeat against Dodoma Jiji FC yesterday.
Before the latest fixtures, Yanga held a five-point advantage, but Simba’s win has intensified the battle for the championship with seven matches still remaining.
The victory also underlined Simba’s growing momentum at a critical stage of the season, with every point now carrying enormous significance in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive title races in recent years.
Fast start sets the tone
Simba began the match aggressively and took an early lead through a well-delivered corner from influential midfielder Clatous Chama. The dangerous set-piece went directly into the net after Mashujaa goalkeeper Muntari failed to deal with the delivery properly.
The visitors maintained control for much of the first half, taking their slender advantage into the break.
After halftime, Mashujaa coach Jamhuri Kihwelo introduced tactical changes that briefly shifted momentum in favour of the home side. For a short spell, Mashujaa looked capable of forcing their way back into the contest.
However, Simba quickly regained composure and reasserted dominance, continuing to pressure the hosts with organised attacking play and disciplined possession.
Chama shines again
The turning point came when Chama produced a moment of brilliance, firing a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that beat goalkeeper Muntari and doubled Simba’s advantage.
Substitute Selemani Mwalimu sealed the victory in stoppage time with Simba’s third goal, confirming an important away triumph for the Msimbazi giants.
Despite creating relatively few clear chances, Simba were ruthlessly efficient in front of goal, converting all three of their shots on target – a statistic that reflected their clinical edge and experience under pressure.
Historic home record broken
The defeat was particularly painful for Mashujaa, who had previously remained unbeaten at home throughout the season. Before facing Simba, the Kigoma-based side had played 11 home matches, winning four and drawing seven.
The result now leaves Simba on 52 points, just two behind leaders Yanga, setting up a tense final stretch of the league campaign.
KMC sink deeper into relegation trouble
In another dramatic fixture, Mtibwa Sugar FC edged KMC FC 4-3 in an entertaining clash at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro.
The defeat deepened KMC’s relegation crisis, leaving the Kinondoni Municipality-owned club rooted to the bottom of the table with only nine points from 23 outings. KMC have managed just two wins all season, and their hopes of surviving relegation are fading rapidly as the campaign enters its decisive phase.
