Simba and Azam fire blanks in Mzizima Derby

NBC Premier League leaders Young Africans were left smiling at the end of the weekend after watching title rivals Simba SC and Azam FC play to a 0-0 draw to conclude action on Sunday evening in Tanzania’s top flight.

 

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A frustrating evening for both sides in Dar es Salaam’s Mzizima Derby allowed leaders and defending champions Yanga to increase their lead to six points at the top of the table.

Both teams struggled to create opportunities but can also blame poor finishing for losing ground to the leaders. Hosts Azam created their best opportunity early in the second half but star playmaker Feisal Salum’s shot was parried away by Simba goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja, who continues to impress since the Nigerien international joined as an emergency signing back in January.

Aishi Manula nearly gifted the visitors the lead towards the end of the first half but the Azam keeper, who returned to the club ahead of the current season after eight years, managed to frantically clear after his attempt to play the ball invited heavy pressure.

 

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But despite boasting high-priced foreign talent in the attacks of both teams, it was an occasion where the points were shared with zero goals. There still remains plenty of time to mount a run at the top but in a highly unbalanced league, there will be precious few opportunities to gain points on a Young Africans team that rarely falters in league matches.

Both teams return to action on Thursday, where Simba will travel to face TRA United (formerly Tabora United) while Azam face Mbeya City away.

Earlier on Sunday, Singida Black Stars continued their disappointing campaign with a 0-2 defeat to TRA United. A second consecutive defeat for the big spenders came after conceding twice in the first half, giving the visitors a deficit they could not overcome.

 

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Singida are far out of the title race despite their financial efforts to move level with the Dar es Salaam giants and indeed, they are struggling to even remain relevant in the race to secure a return to continental competition next season.

Since being eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup at the group stage, they have lost four of their last nine fixtures, an unacceptable string of results for a club with big ambitions.

League Table: Where do Simba and Azam stand in the title race?

 

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