Dar es Salaam. Charles Jean Ahoua was once again the star at the KMC Stadium as he led Simba SC to a dominant 5-1 victory over Pamba Jiji in a rescheduled Tanzania Premier League match played on Thursday in Dar es Salaam.
A technical hat-trick from the midfielder, deployed in the number 10 role, set a new season record, while Leonel Ateba added a brace to help Simba close the gap on league leaders Yanga from seven points to four.
Simba still have one game in hand against KMC.
Simba started the match with high intensity, pressing Pamba from the front and dominating the midfield.
In the 15th minute, Joshua Mutale was fouled inside the box, and the referee quickly pointed to the spot. Ahoua stepped up and calmly converted the penalty.
Pamba tried to respond through long balls and wing play, but Simba’s defense, marshaled by Hamza and Chamoe, remained solid and alert to any danger.
In the 37th minute, Mutale was fouled just outside the box, and Ahoua struck a right-footed free kick that went straight into the net, leaving the Pamba goalkeeper stunned.
The second half began just as intensely, and in the 48th minute, Ahoua completed his hat-trick after great work from Ellie Mpanzu.
That goal was Ahoua’s 15th of the season, putting him ahead of Yanga’s Clement Mzize, who has 13 goals.
Simba continued their relentless attack, using short passes and positional rotations, with their midfield controlling the tempo.
Leonel Ateba sealed the victory with goals in the 80th and 85th minutes.
Ateba’s tally now stands at 12 for the season, putting him right behind Ahoua in the race for the Golden Boot.
Pamba managed a consolation goal in the 86th minute through Mathew Momanyi, but it did little to change the tone of the game.
In stoppage time (90+4), Pamba’s Majimengi was shown a red card by the referee following an exchange of words.
Simba spent the final minutes comfortably managing possession, with fans celebrating every pass.
Simba coach Fadlu Davids praised his players’ discipline, calling the win a positive sign as the season nears its conclusion.
He stressed that the upcoming match against KMC is another final for his team, and insisted the title race is still wide open.
Goalkeeper Moussa Camara made three crucial saves early in the first half to deny Pamba.
Simba now have 66 points, while Yanga sit at the top with 70 points after 27 matches.
If Simba win their game in hand against KMC, the gap would narrow to just one point, making the final three rounds of the league incredibly intense.
Player ratings saw Ahoua lead with a 9.5 score, followed by Ateba (9.0) and Mutale (8.7), who provided two assists.
