Dar es Salaam. Simba SC have kept their title hopes alive with a commanding 3-0 victory over Coastal Union at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha this Saturday.
The win lifts Simba to 54 points, just four behind league leaders Yanga SC, who have played one more match.
With this momentum, Simba now turn their focus to the highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby against Yanga on March 8 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The match began with both teams carefully studying each other, but Simba dominated possession while Coastal Union defended deep, relying on counterattacks.
However, their defensive strategy eventually collapsed in the 30th minute when Steven Mukwala capitalized on a precise cross from Duchu Kameta to score the opening goal.
Coastal Union responded with an offensive push, forcing a save from Simba’s goalkeeper Ally Salim in the 33rd minute after Maabad Maabad’s header threatened to level the score.
Simba continued to press, and in the 38th minute, Mukwala struck again, this time converting a cross from Elie Mpanzu to double the lead.
By halftime, Simba were in full control with a 2-0 advantage.
After the break, Simba returned with renewed energy and intensified their attacks.
In the 51st minute, Mukwala completed his hat-trick, pouncing on a rebound after Mpanzu’s powerful shot was parried by Coastal’s goalkeeper Chuma Mgeni.
With that goal, Mukwala took his league tally to eight for the season and became only the second player to score a hat-trick in the 2024/25 campaign, following Prince Dube of Yanga SC.
His outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Simba’s dominance at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium continued, marking the second time they have recorded a hat-trick in a match against Coastal Union at the venue.
The last time this happened was on November 22, 2020, when John Bocco netted three goals in an 8-0 thrashing of the same opponent.
Despite several tactical changes from both coaches, the score remained 3-0, leaving Coastal Union stuck in ninth place with 24 points and facing an uphill battle to secure their league status.
The atmosphere in Arusha was electric even before kickoff, as fans rushed to secure tickets as early as 9:30 AM.
By the time the match started, the stadium was packed, with Simba supporters dominating the stands.
Coastal Union, meanwhile, entered the pitch with a unique ritual, lining up at the touchline for a team prayer before stepping onto the field one by one.
Simba’s head coach, Fadlu David, surprised many by making six changes to the squad that drew 2-2 against Azam FC.
Key players like Mousa Camara and Che Malone missed out due to injuries, while Shomary Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Fabrice Ngoma, and Leonel Ateba started on the bench.
The starting lineup featured Ally Salim, Duchu Kameta, Valentino Nouma, Chamoe Karaboue, Abdulrazak Hamza, Yusuph Kagoma, Kibu Denis, Debora Fernandes, Steven Mukwala, Jean Ahoua, and Elie Mpanzu.
Later in the match, substitutions saw Awesu Awesu, Chasambi, Mutale, Ateba, and Ngoma replace Jean Ahoua, Kibu Denis, Yusuph Kagoma, Elie Mpanzu, and Mukwala.
Coastal Union’s starting lineup included Chuma, Aidan, Miraji, Lawi, Viva, Semfuko, Sabri, Gustavo, Maabad, Kikoti, and Maulid. Later substitutions saw Mbaraka Abeid and Bakari Selemani replace Lucas Kikoti and Maulid Shaban.
With this emphatic victory, Simba SC move forward with confidence, setting their sights on their fierce rivals Yanga SC in what promises to be a thrilling Kariakoo Derby.
