Simba SC have climbed top of the Tanzanian Premier League standings after a 3-1 win away to Tanzania Prisons in Sokoine. Goals from Clatous Chama, John Bocco and Saido Ntibanzonkiza gave Wekundu wa Msimbazi their fourth straight win of the season as they moved top with 12 points, two ahead of second placed Azam FC.
Head coach Robert Oliveira was delighted with not only the victory but the performance of his side in the victory away from home.
“We played well and especially after conceding early. We put out our personality and this is really positive for us. We showed our capacity and we showed our fighting spirit. It was not an easy game for us,” Oliveira said after the win.
He added; “We played with pleasure and not stress. And this showed our true character.”
Simba found themselves trailing as early as the 12th minute when Edwin Barua curled a brilliant free-kick into the top corner from a tight angle.
It was a frustrating start for Simba, and the second consecutive time they were trailing early, the same having happened in their CAF Champions League match against Power Dynamos over the weekend.
However, the side managed to fight back and they drew level in the 34th minute when Chama flew in to direct a cross from Shomari Kapombe into the net.
They went to the break 2-1 up when skipper Bocco slid in to score from a Muzamiru Yassin cross, the Tanzanian giants completing the turnaround.
They continued their dominance into the second half, creating more chances but not lucky to extend the score. They did so ultimately in the 86th minute from Ntibanzokiza’s penalty after Gerald Phiri was appended inside the box.
The victory is a massive boost for Simba as they continue with their domestic winning run, building their confidence ahead of the African Football League duel against Egyptian side Al Ahly.
