Dar es Salaam – The entire football community is buzzing with anticipation for one of East Africa’s biggest spectacles: The Kariakoo Derby between Yanga and Simba, which is set to take place today, March 8, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, at 7:15 PM EAT.
However, the excitement has taken an unexpected turn as Simba announced its refusal to participate in the match earlier on Saturday, while the league board insisted that the game will still go ahead.
This decision comes after the stadium’s leadership reportedly barred Simba from using the venue for final preparations.
According to Rule 17 (45) of the Premier League regulations, the visiting team has the right to train at the match venue at least once before the game.
In response to this situation, Yanga, the hosts of the match, issued a public statement declaring that they will field a team and urged their members and fans—many of whom have traveled from various regions, neighboring countries, and around the world—to come witness this significant match.
“The leadership of Yanga will field a team at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as stipulated in the regulations, and we will not be willing to play this match on any other day than today,” reads the statement signed by the club’s CEO, Mr Andre Mtine, reflecting their commitment to the match.
However, this enthusiasm is tempered by controversy, as it marks the second time in recent years that these two giants have boycotted a match.
In 2021, Yanga protested a decision to change the kickoff time from 5 PM to 7 PM EAT, arguing that the changes violated Rule 15 (10) of the Premier League regulations, which mandates that any adjustments to kickoff times must be communicated to all parties at least 24 hours in advance.
This protest ultimately led the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to reschedule the game, highlighting ongoing tensions between the teams and the league.
Fast forward to the present, despite Simba’s announcement of its refusal to participate in today’s match, Steven Mnguto, the Chairman of the Tanzanian Premier League Board, stated in an interview with the local newspaper Mwananchi on Saturday morning that the game is still set to go ahead, urging fans with tickets to prepare to attend.
To prevent a boycott, a possible solution could involve a collaborative meeting between Yanga, Simba, and league officials to discuss grievances and establish a clearer protocol for handling match logistics.
By creating a formal communication channel and ensuring that both teams have a voice in scheduling decisions, the league can foster a more cooperative environment.
Additionally, implementing a binding agreement on match preparations and kickoff times could help prevent misunderstandings in the future, allowing both teams to focus on the excitement of the game rather than administrative conflicts.
If today’s game proceeds as planned, it will mark the final league meeting between these two Tanzanian giants this season, following Yanga’s narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg.
Moreover, this match carries additional weight, especially for Simba’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, who will be facing Yanga for the third time since taking charge.
His previous encounters have ended in frustration, with losses of 1-0 in both the Community Shield semifinal and the league.
For Yanga, this will be the first Kariakoo Derby under their new coach, Miloud Hamdi.
Although it is his debut in this high-stakes fixture, he benefits from a squad well-versed in handling the pressure of such clashes.
Same system, different execution
Both Fadlu Davids and Miloud Hamdi employ the same tactical setup the 4-2-3-1 formation which has become a modern football staple due to its balance between defense, midfield creativity, and attacking potency.
However, despite using the same formation, their tactical approaches differ significantly.
The system allows both teams to control possession, transition quickly between attack and defense, and maximize the strengths of their key players.
Fadlu relies heavily on his full-backs and wingers to create attacking opportunities, while Miloud’s approach emphasizes midfield dominance, quick ball progression, and high-pressing play.
Yanga’s midfield strength
One of Yanga’s biggest weapons heading into this clash is their dominant midfield, which plays a crucial role in both attack and defense.
If Simba want to avoid another defeat, they must find a way to neutralize Yanga’s midfield maestros.
With players like Pacôme Zouzoua, Maxi Nzengeli, Stephane Aziz Ki, Clatous Chama, Mudathir Yahya, Khalid Aucho, and Duke Abuya, Miloud has the luxury of rotating his midfielders to suit different tactical approaches.
Ahead of the match, Hamdi expressed his confidence in his midfield:
“We have players who understand the rhythm of these big games. We must control the ball and dictate the tempo. If we do that, we will put ourselves in a strong position to win.”
Simba, on the other hand, lacks the same depth in midfield creativity, making their job much harder.
Simba’s strength: Full-backs and direct play
Unlike Yanga, Simba’s attacking build-up heavily relies on their full-backs Shomari Kapombe on the right and captain Mohammed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’ on the left.
These two have been instrumental in providing width and delivering dangerous crosses.
However, their usual attacking freedom might be restricted in this derby, as they will be facing Yanga’s dangerous wingers who can punish them on counter-attacks.
Fadlu Davids acknowledged this challenge in his pre-match remarks:
“We have to be disciplined in our defensive transitions. We know Yanga has fast and skillful players, so we must be cautious when we go forward.”
Simba’s key trio
Simba’s attacking hopes rest on three key players Ellie Mpanzu, Kibu Denis, and Jean Charles Ahoua.
Denis and Mpanzu are expected to play crucial roles on the wings, using their speed and dribbling ability to break down Yanga’s defensive line.
Ahoua, playing as an attacking midfielder, has the vision and passing accuracy to unlock defenses, but his inconsistency in high-pressure matches remains a concern.
Yanga’s defense must be extra cautious, as any slight mistake could allow Simba’s attack to capitalize.
Defensive concerns for both teams
Defensively, Simba has the better record, having conceded only eight goals so far this season.
However, their biggest concern ahead of this game is the fitness of center-back Che Malone Fondoh and first-choice goalkeeper Moussa Camara.
Both missed the previous match, but their availability will be crucial in ensuring defensive stability.
Meanwhile, Yanga’s defense has conceded nine goals, and their backline has shown vulnerabilities in crucial moments.
If they fail to tighten up, they could be exposed on derby day.
Hamdi remains optimistic, stating: “We have analyzed our weaknesses and worked on them in training. Our defenders know what is expected of them.”
Yanga’s attacking firepower
Yanga enters the derby with arguably the most dangerous forward line in the league.
Their two star forwards, Clement Mzize and Prince Dube, have been in exceptional form, scoring a combined 20 goals (10 each).
Not only have they been scoring, but they have also been involved in creating goals.
Dube has seven assists, while Mzize has three, meaning they have directly contributed to 30 of Yanga’s goals this season.
This makes them a huge threat to Simba’s defense, especially given their speed and clinical finishing.
Hamdi emphasized the importance of his strikers in the pre-match build-up: “We have players who can score in different ways. Our focus is to create as many chances as possible and make the most of them.”
Who holds the edge?
With both teams evenly matched in different areas, the derby is expected to be a closely contested affair.
However, Yanga appears to have the advantage, especially in attack, where they boast superior goal-scoring form.
Simba, on the other hand, must find a way to disrupt Yanga’s midfield dominance and take their chances efficiently.
Fadlu Davids is under immense pressure, as another loss to Yanga would put his future at the club under serious scrutiny.
As the battle lines are drawn, one thing is certain—this Kariakoo Derby will be a thrilling encounter where tactics, discipline, and execution will determine the victor.
Who will emerge victorious? The answer will be revealed in 90 minutes of intense football drama.
