Seth Mapoli
May 14, 2026Simba cruise past Mashujaa to close gap on leaders Yanga
Simba cruise past Mashujaa to close gap on leaders Yanga
Tanzanian giants Simba SC tightened the NBC Premier League title race after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Mashujaa FC at Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma on Wednesday evening.
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The crucial away win saw them reduce the gap between themselves and league leaders Young Africans SC to just two points following Yanga’s surprising 3-2 defeat to Dodoma Jiji FC a day earlier.
Chama stars once again as Simba move closer to title rivals
Simba made the perfect start to the match, taking the lead as early as the sixth minute through experienced midfielder Clatous Chama. The Zambian playmaker delivered a dangerous corner kick that curled directly into the net after Mashujaa goalkeeper Patrick Munthali failed to deal with the ball properly, handing the visitors an early advantage.
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The Msimbazi Reds continued to dominate possession and press forward, but Mashujaa responded strongly, especially in midfield where Samuel Onditi and Baraka Mtuwi worked tirelessly to disrupt Simba’s rhythm.
Despite Simba’s control, the hosts created several dangerous counterattacks through striker Ismail Mgunda, who tested goalkeeper Djibril Kassali late in the first half. However, the shot-stopper remained composed to preserve his side’s lead.
Mashujaa defender Mgandila Hassan was booked a yellow card just a minute before halftime after committing a foul as the home side struggled to contain Simba’s attacking movement. The first half ended with Simba holding a narrow 1-0 lead.
At the start of the second half, Mashujaa coach Julio Kiwelu attempted to change the momentum by making several substitutions, introducing Yusuph Lwenge, Mapinduzi Balama and Crispin Ngushi.
Simba coach Steve Barker also adjusted his squad, bringing on Annicet Oura in place of Inno Liyombo in the 61st minute.
The visitors eventually doubled their advantage in the 69th minute through the outstanding Chama, who once again proved decisive for Simba. After receiving a well-weighted pass from Ellie Mpanzu, Chama controlled the ball brilliantly before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike past the helpless goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Barker later introduced fresh legs, including Alassane Kante, Maurice Abraham and Selemani Mwalimu, as the title contenders looked to finish the match strongly.
Although Mashujaa continued to push forward, the two-goal deficit appeared to drain their confidence and energy. Deep into stoppage time, Selemani Mwalimu sealed the emphatic victory after finishing calmly from a Neo Maema assist to make it 3-0.
Chama was deservedly named Man of the Match after another influential display, continuing his impressive run of form after starring against JKT Tanzania and Yanga in recent matches. The midfielder has now scored eight league goals this season, moving within two goals of current top scorer Feisal Salum of Azam FC.
Following the victory, Simba remain second in the standings with 52 points from 23 matches, while Yanga stay top with 54 points from the same number of games, setting up an intense finish to the title race.
