Simba may have relinquished their Premier League title but are clearly determined to hold on to what they have left with this season – pride – and demonstrated it with yet another victory when they overcame visiting Mgambo JKT 1-0, which helped to cement their hold on third place.
TAKING A TUMBLE: Simba’s attacking midfielder, Ramadhan Singano dribbles past Mgambo Shooting defender, Bakari Mtawa during their Mainland Premier League encounter at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. Simba won 1-0. (Photo by Mohamed Mambo)
A wonder strike by sensation young attacker Haruna Chanongo early in the first half decided the encounter at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam in favour of the dethroned champions.
The victory was Simba’s third in a trot, a feat the Msimbazi Stree Reds have struggled to forge in the second phase of the season and in all likelihood, looks set to secure an un-fancied third place for Patrick Liewig’s side.
Simba, still nurse an outside hope of a top-two finish as they now sit third in the 14-team league table with 45 points from 25 games, trailing second-placed Azam by three points, with a game to play. Azam, nonetheless have game in hand and could end Simba’s unlikely dream if they secure at a least a point against Mgambo on Saturday.
The results, meanwhile, mean Mgambo remain three points above the drop zone, having managed 25 points from 24 outings. They are still involved in the relegation battle.
Expectedly, Liewig kept faith in his policy of sticking with youth for remainder of the season as he tries to lay foundation for better future of the club.The Frenchman decided to tinker with his lineup, keeping only six players from the line-up for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Ruvu Shooting, giving a good indication of who will feature in final game of the season, the derby match against Young Africans.
Abel Dhaira, Shomari Kapombe, Mussa Mudde, Abdallah Seseme, Felix Sunzu were replaced in the starting line-up by Juma Kaseja, Miraji Adam, Hassan Khatib, Jonas Mkude and Edward Christopher.
Simba started brightly and were a goal up after eight minutes when the team’s attacking midfielder, Chanongo, dribbled past a couple of Mgambo defenders before producing a masterful finish to slot the ball past Godson Mmasa and into the back of the net.
Simba were dominant for most part of the opening half and created the most meaningful opportunities but any fears Mgambo would be a pushover were gradually dismissed. Issa Kandulu fired just past Kaseja’s right-hand post and he drew fine save from the Simba custodian.
Liewig was forced into making an early change, replacing injured William Lucian with Rashid Mkoko on the half hour mark.Simba managed a few chances but could not translate them into goals as Christopher and Amri Kiemba fluffed their efforts and the first half ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
At the start of the second half, Liewig introduced another young player, Omari Salum at the expense of veteran Nassor Masoud ‘Chollo,’ possibly taking a caution after the right full-back had been cautioned shortly before the breather.
Kandulu wasted a great opportunity to draw Mgambo level in the 56th minute when he headed inches wide with the goal at his mercy. Moments later, Singano negotiated his way past Mgambo defenders and looked set to double Simba’s advantage as he charged into the box but took a tame shot that hardly troubled Mmasa.
Both sides created and wasted a numerous chances with Simba finally holding on for another morale boosting win as they prepare to take on their traditional archrivals Young Africans.
And now all eyes will be on May 18, the closing day of the 2012/2013 season, when the country’s most fancied teams clash at the state-of-the-art venue, with revenge, pride and bragging rights largely at stake.
Yanga have spent the current season contemplating vengeance for the 5-0 demolition they suffered at the hands of their sworn rivals in the corresponding fixture last season and Simba will be all out to spoil the former’s title celebrations.
Teams:
Simba: Juma Kaseja, Nassor Masoud, Haruna Shamte, Miraji Adam, Hassan Khatib, Jonas Mkude, Edward Christopher, William Lucian, Amri Kiemba, Ramadhan Singano, Haruna Chanongo.
Mgambo JKT: Godson Mmassa, Salum Mlima, Ramadhan Kambwili, Bashiru Chanacha, Bakari Mtama, Salum Kipanga, Chande Magoja, Peter Mwalyanzi, Issa Kandulu, Fully Maganga, Nassor Gumbo.
Source Tanzania Daily News
