Ligi Kuu Bara: Simba stunned by Azam FC in Mzizima Derby

Simba SC’s perfect start in Tanzania’s Ligi Kuu Bara came to an end on Sunday with a 0-2 derby defeat to Azam FC.

 

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Goals in the final fifteen minutes from Jephte Kitambala and Iddy Nado confirmed the club’s first victory over their Dar es Salaam rivals in over three years. A mostly even match made it appear that a draw was on the cards. However, DR Congo international forward Kitambala arrived for a clean finish from a cross by substitute Hassor Saadun to give the Ice Cream Makers a massive boost.

Seven minutes later, with the hosts desperately pushing to find a leveler, it was Saadun again who got behind on the left wing for another cross. This time it was Nado who was waiting at the far post to fire in a perfect finish.

 

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After a nightmare start to the CAF Champions League group stage that saw them lose at home to Petro de Luanda before falling at Stade Malien to begin Group D action, the Reds of Msimbazi could at least take comfort in their domestic form. That is no longer the case, with rivals Young Africans having an opportunity to get a leg up in the early stages of the season when they face Coastal Union later on Sunday.

The Reds remain five points back of tentative leaders JKT Tanzania, who have played five more matches than the league’s top contenders. Azam, who also are off to a poor start in continental competition with two defeats to begin the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, are still three points behind their rivals in ninth place with nine points from five matches in the league.