Ahoua hat-trick leads Simba to domination of Pamba Jiji

Simba SC Tanzania/Facebook

After concerns that fixture congestion was negatively impacting their recent performances, Simba SC responded in force on Thursday with a 5-1 victory over Pamba Jiji in the NBC Premier League.

Ivorian playmaker Jean Charles Ahoua provided a hat-trick and Leonel Ateba added two goals in a match where Simba's Francophone stars overwhelmed relegation fighters Pamba. Ahoua opened the scoring in the 15th minute from the penalty spot after shifty Zambian winger Joshua Mutale was fouled in the box. Mutale then drew a foul that led to Ahoua's brilliant free kick in the 37th minute (video above).

Simba resumed their onslaught after the halftime break. Congolese attacker Elie Mpanzu was played into space on the left wing and had time to line up a cross to find a wide open Ahoua, who produced a powerful header to make it 3-0 and complete his hat-trick.

Late on, Cameroonian forward Ateba added two goals of his own against the demoralized Pamba defense. The visitors managed to get one goal back before frustration boiled over to result in a red card in stoppage time.

Simba are now four points behind title rivals Young Africans with one more match to make up during a busy spell. With three consecutive wins, Simba will complete a stretch of four games in nine days on Sunday when they travel to face Kinondoni MC.

League Table (Top-5)

	GP	Points
Young Africans	26	70
Simba SC	25	66
Azam FC	27	54
Singida Black Stars	27	53
Tabora United	27	37