Ligi Kuu Bara: Simba and Azam FC cruise in home wins

Coach Steve Barker celebrated his first Ligi Kuu Bara victory with Simba SC on Thursday while Azam FC also eased to victory in the Tanzanian top flight.

 

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Senegalese attacker Libasse Gueye scored his first goal with a delightful first half strike and Tanzania national team starlet Seleman Mwalimu came off the bench to double the lead in the second half for Simba, who defeated Mashujaa FC 2-0 despite Kibu Denis failing to convert a penalty kick at the end of the first half.

Mashujaa, who surprised in the early stages of the season, have been humbled so far in 2026 with a brutal start to the year. After falling to league leaders Young Africans in a 0-6 thrashing ten days ago, they were shut out again by last season’s runners-up.

 

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Simba have not impressed so far under South African tactician Barker, who arrived to lead the Dar es Salaam giants after an excellent spell with Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC. After a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Mtibwa Sugar in his league debut was followed by a 0-1 CAF Champions League defeat at Tunisia’s Espérance Tunis, Thursday’s victory was essential.

In Thursday’s later match, Tanzania’s third club Azam FC had no issues in a 2-0 win over TRA United. Iddy Nado received an assist from his teammate on the Tanzania national team, Feisal Salum, to finish the job in the second half after towering Congolese striker Jean-Jacques Ngita Kamanga scored his first goal for the club from a corner kick.

 

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For both teams, the victories were expected results as they attempt to move up the Ligi Kuu Bara table with games in hand on most of their competition. They each have 16 points, with Azam having played one more match than the Reds. Young Africans remain the established leaders, six points ahead.

It is a busy stretch for both clubs as well as Young Africans. Azam will need a victory to keep their hopes alive of reaching the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage when they host Kenya’s Nairobi United on Sunday. The situation is dire for Simba in their CAF Champions League campaign, where they must win at home in the return match against

Ligi Kuu Bara Table

 

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