Dar es Salaam. Simba SC staged a dramatic second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Mashujaa FC in a tense NBC Premier League match played at KMC Stadium on Friday, May 2, 2025.
The visitors, Mashujaa, stunned the hosts with an early goal in the 6th minute when striker Jafary Kibaya latched onto a pass from Valentino Nouma, took a touch outside the box and unleashed a powerful shot that beat goalkeeper Moussa Camara.
Despite dominating possession throughout the first half, Simba found it difficult to break through Mashujaa’s compact and disciplined defensive setup, marshalled effectively by centre-backs Mtuwi and Abdulmalik.
The trio of Mpanzu, Edwin Balua, and Awesu struggled to find space in the final third, with Mashujaa crowding their own half and defending deep in numbers.
The first 45 minutes ended with Mashujaa holding a narrow 1-0 lead, frustrating the home fans and prompting Simba head coach Fadlu Davids to make tactical changes at the break.
Davids made a triple substitution at the start of the second half, bringing in Kibu Denis, Shomari Kapombe, and Tshabalala for Nouma, Duchu, and Balua.
The changes quickly paid dividends, with Simba showing more creativity and urgency in attack.
Kibu Denis in particular added flair and directness, troubling Mashujaa’s backline from the right flank.
In the 65th minute, Simba earned a penalty after a handball inside the area. Leonel Ateba converted calmly from the spot, scoring his ninth league goal of the season, leveling him with Steven Mukwala in the goal-scoring charts.
The tide fully turned in Simba’s favour in the 81st minute when Mashujaa goalkeeper Patrick Munthary received a second yellow card—followed by a red—after kicking a second ball onto the pitch, which delayed a corner kick and drew protests toward referee Kefa Kayombo.
With all substitutions already made, Mashujaa were forced to put outfield player Jamal in goal for the remainder of the match, setting up a nervy finish for the visitors.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Mashujaa reorganized defensively and tried to hold on for a point, retreating into their own half and resisting Simba’s wave of attacks.
The deadlock was finally broken deep into stoppage time the 90+19th minute when Kapombe was brought down inside the area, and Ateba stepped up once again to convert from the spot, completing Simba’s comeback.
The win narrowed the gap between Simba and league leaders Yanga to 10 points, with Simba now on 60 points and three games in hand.
Yanga remain on top with 70 points.
