Simba, Azam go down to wire
TANZANIA: SIMBA and Azam are in a heated second-place battle after winning their recent encounters in Dar es Salaam.
Azam won 2-0 against JKT Tanzania at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, while Simba won 4-1 at Azam Complex. Both teams are level on points (63 points) after 28 games, with each winning 19, drawing six, and losing three.
The second spot is crucial for both teams as it will help them win a second ticket to join the champion, Young Africans, as Tanzania’s envoys in the CAF Champions League for 2024/25.
The conclusion of yesterday’s matchups will still determine the fate of both clubs, as they must decide who will join Yanga in their last two games, and if either team finishes third, they will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup. Azam’s last matches are against Kagera Sugar on Saturday and Geita Gold on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: Simba, Azam lock horns
Simba remains with matches against Kinondoni Municipal Council on Saturday and JKT Tanzania on Tuesday. Simba had a difficult time securing a win yesterday, having to come from behind to defeat Geita Gold, who are trying to escape the relegation zone, sitting at15th position with 25 points.
Geita Gold opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Geofrey Julius, but Simba equalized in the 45th minute through a penalty kick from Saido Ntibazonkiza.
Simba scored their second goal shortly after the second half began, thanks to Ntibazonkiza’s free kick that beat Geita Gold goalie Costantine Malimi in the 72nd minute.
Simba added two more goals through Ladaki Chasambi in the 86th and 90th minute, enough to secure a comfortable 4-1 victory.
At Major General Isamuhyo Stadium , Azam FC secured a 2-0 victo- ry against JKT Tanzania , with Abdul Suleiman and Feisal Salum scoring the goals.
Despite JKT Tanzania’s efforts, Azam FC’s resilience held strong. The match ended with a dramatic goal from Feisal Salum in the dying moments, marking his 16th goal of the league campaign and fuelling the race for the golden boot.
Additionally, at Kaibata Stadium in Kagera, Kagera Sugar lost 2-1 to Tanga-based Coastal Union. Azam FC continues their journey towards CAF Champions League glory, while JKT Tanzania and Kagera Sugar aim to regroup for future matches.
