Simba start strong but squander opportunity in Kariakoo Derby draw with Yanga

Simba SC appeared to be on their way to a massive victory in the NBC Premier League title race but reigning champions and current leaders Young Africans fought back to earn a 2-2 draw in Sunday’s Kariakoo Derby at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

 

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Young Africans captain Bakari Mwamnyeto finished from a rebound in the 51st minute for the final goal to level the match following a period of pressure and set piece opportunities for the Citizens.

The story could have been so much different. Trailing their rivals by five points heading into the match, Simba showed the necessary urgency early on. Steve Barker’s team got off to a brilliant start and snatched a 2-0 lead before ten minutes had elapsed.

Senegalese attacker Libasse Gueye finished in the 3rd minute from Clatous Chama’s assist after excellent pressure created an opportunity on the break for the Reds of Msimbazi. Zambian playmaker Chama then produced a moment of magic in the 10th minute when he combined with Elie Mpanzu before finishing with a spectacular overhead finish from the Congolese winger’s pass.

 

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Simba lose momentum after brief loss of focus

But sloppy defending eight minutes later allowed the champions to get back into the match. Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube reacted quickest to produce a sliding finish from close range after the Reds defense failed to clear.

And the leaders continued to push and find their way into the match with the momentum lost for Simba. After going into halftime with a one-goal deficit, an inspired start to the second half was quickly rewarded.

Following a corner kick that was briefly cleared, Pacôme Zouzoua’s cross found the head of a teammate. Goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali spilled the ball in front of his goal and Mwamnyeto was there to clean up the mess and equalize.

The remainder of the match was played at a high tempo, with both teams pushing for a winner. Simba’s Yusuph Kagoma was booked in the 60th minute following a foul on Allan Okello, highlighting the physical nature of the contest.

Tensions were also evident off the pitch, with Chama and Young Africans official Walter Harrison both involved in a heated moment that resulted in a yellow card.

Both coaches made further substitutions in search of a decisive goal, with Simba introducing Selemani Mwalimu for Mpanzu, while Yanga brought on Emmanuel Mwanengo and Morice Abraham to strengthen their attack.

In the closing stages, Kagoma came close to snatching victory for Simba with a shot on target in the 90th minute, but it was not enough to break the deadlock. After three minutes of added time, the referee brought the thrilling derby to an end.

The result maintains Yanga’s five-point lead with ten rounds remaining. Simba are in the hunt to catch their eternal rivals but Sunday’s result will represent a missed opportunity ahead of the final stretch of the campaign.

EDITOR NOTE: Additional reporting on the match provided by Seth Mapoli.