Dar es Salaam giants Simba SC failed to reclaim their status at the top of the Ligi Kuu Bara table on Thursday, leaving rivals Young Africans as the new leaders in Tanzania's top flight.
The Reds of Msimbazi could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Fountain Gate FC at the Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Babati. A second half goal from in form Simba striker Leonel Ateba put the visitors ahead close to the hour mark. However, an own goal from Simba young talent Ladaki Chasambi saw the visitors drop points in embarrassing fashion.
Simba took the lead through a moment of quick thinking. Chasambi drew a free kick outside the Fountain Gate penalty area but rather than waiting, Jean Charles Ahoua wisely played a quick free kick to Chasambi on the left wing who crossed for a wide open Ateba to finish past helpless Nigerian goalkeeper John Noble in the Fountain Gate goal.
It was a clever moment from Ahoua and Chasambi but the young attacker made a head scratching error that cost his team important points. In the 76th minute, Chasambi received the ball in his own half on the left wing and put too much pace on his back pass towards goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who was not able to get a touch to the ball as it went past him into the goal.
It is a moment that could cost Simba later on in what is shaping up to be a tight race for the title. The Reds are now one point behind Yanga with more fixtures coming up in quick succession. Simba will next host Tanzania Prisons on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Dodoma Jiji fell at home to relegation Pamba Jiji while Prisons defeated Mashujaa. Third placed Azam FC will be in action soon hosting Kinondoni MC.
League Table (Top-4)
GP | Points | |
Young Africans | 17 | 45 |
Simba SC | 17 | 44 |
Azam FC | 16 | 36 |
Singida Black Stars | 16 | 33 |
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