Simba SC head coach Steve Barker praised his players for their determination that enabled them to defeat Singida Black Stars 2-1 in their Mainland Premier League fixture at Airtel Stadium on Wednesday.

The Msimbazi Reds went into the fixture having drawn their last two league matches against rivals Young Africans and Dodoma Jiji. Ahead of the fixture, coach Barker had rallied his troops to return to winning ways.

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Simba took the lead with only seven minutes played when Anicet Oura found the back of the net. However, Singida pulled level in the 38th minute courtesy of Mossi Ndumumwe.

The game went into the half-time break tied at 1-1. In the second period, the game remained a balanced affair until Barker introduced Elie Mpanzu. It was the substitute, who ensured Simba carried home maximum points when he struck in the 85th minute.

‘Sometimes games are won like we did’

“You know sometimes you just got to keep on working, keep pushing, keep believing, and you know sometimes games are won like we did,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“It was a challenging game, a difficult game for us, but the players showed tremendous character, commitment, to just continue believing, keep pushing, I told them that you know sometimes game are won, you got 90, 95 minutes, so, we won it late.”

On Mpanzu coming in to score the winner, the South African coach said: “It was good for him to come in and get us the winner. We showed a lot of grit and a lot of determination, so, I am very happy with the result.”

Simba achieved target under difficult situation

Man of the match, Clatous Chama, who set up Mpanzu to score the winner, said: “We started the game strongly, but later conceded, but in the second half we planned ourselves on getting back into the game. Singida came into the game with a good plan.

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“But all in all, we have managed to reach our targets from the game. Our focus was to win the game and get three points, and we have achieved that from a very difficult game.”

The victory enabled Simba to keep their fourth spot with 27 points from 12 matches, while Singida dropped to tenth with 19 points from 13 matches.

Simba SC Show Determination and Character in Hard-Fought Win Over Singida Black Stars

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker praised his players for their determination and resilience after they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Singida Black Stars in their Mainland Premier League fixture at Airtel Stadium on Wednesday.

The victory was particularly important for Simba SC, who entered the match under pressure after drawing their previous two league fixtures against rivals Young Africans and Dodoma Jiji. Barker had urged his players to rediscover their winning form, and the team responded with a spirited performance that ultimately delivered the three points.

For the Msimbazi Reds, the result was not only about the win but also about regaining momentum in the competitive Tanzania Mainland Premier League title race.

Fast Start for Simba SC

Simba SC began the match on the front foot and quickly made their early dominance count. Just seven minutes into the encounter, Anicet Oura found the back of the net to give Simba the lead.

The early goal lifted the confidence of the visitors and put Singida Black Stars under immediate pressure. Simba continued to push forward with attacking intent, attempting to extend their advantage while controlling possession.

However, Singida Black Stars gradually grew into the game and began creating opportunities of their own. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 38th minute, when Mossi Ndumumwe equalized for the hosts.

The goal brought the match back to level terms and ensured that both teams went into the halftime break with the score tied at 1-1.

Tactical Changes Make the Difference

The second half proved to be an intense and closely contested battle, with both teams searching for a decisive goal.

Simba SC showed attacking intent but struggled to break down a well-organized Singida defense. The hosts, meanwhile, looked dangerous on counterattacks and forced Simba to remain disciplined at the back.

Recognizing the need for fresh energy, coach Steve Barker introduced substitute Elie Mpanzu late in the match.

The decision proved to be a game-changing move.

With only minutes remaining on the clock, Mpanzu rose to the occasion and scored the winning goal in the 85th minute, ensuring that Simba SC left Airtel Stadium with maximum points.

Barker Praises Team’s Character

After the match, Steve Barker commended his players for their determination and belief throughout the difficult encounter.

According to the South African tactician, sometimes victories come from persistence and mental strength rather than dominance.

“You know sometimes you just got to keep on working, keep pushing, keep believing, and you know sometimes games are won like we did,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

He admitted the match was far from easy but emphasized that Simba SC’s resilience ultimately made the difference.

“It was a challenging game, a difficult game for us, but the players showed tremendous character and commitment to continue believing and keep pushing. I told them that sometimes games are won in the 90 or 95 minutes, and that is exactly what happened.”

Barker also praised substitute Elie Mpanzu for making an immediate impact after coming on.

“It was good for him to come in and get us the winner. We showed a lot of grit and a lot of determination, so I am very happy with the result.”

Chama Reflects on Tough Encounter

Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chama, who was named Man of the Match, played a crucial role in the winning goal by providing the assist for Mpanzu.

Reflecting on the match, Chama acknowledged that Singida Black Stars made things difficult for Simba.

“We started the game strongly, but later conceded. In the second half we planned ourselves on getting back into the game. Singida came into the game with a good plan,” Chama explained.

Despite the challenges, the midfielder said the team remained focused on their primary objective—securing all three points.

“But all in all, we have managed to reach our targets from the game. Our focus was to win the game and get three points, and we have achieved that from a very difficult game.”

Important Points for Simba SC

The victory proved crucial for Simba SC in the league standings. The result allowed the team to maintain fourth position with 27 points from 12 matches.

For Singida Black Stars, the defeat saw them slip to 10th place with 19 points from 13 matches.

As the Mainland Premier League season progresses, Simba SC will hope that this victory serves as a turning point in their campaign.

With renewed confidence and momentum, Barker’s side will now aim to build on the win and continue climbing the league table as they pursue their ambitions in Tanzanian football.