Dar es Salaam. Simba SC on Thursday announced their return to league action in style, overpowering Mbeya City with a dominant 3–0 victory at home.
It was a significant evening not only because of the performance and margin, but also because this was the first match for Simba since the departure of Dimitar Pantev, with assistant Selemani Matola temporarily taking charge of the side.
Simba entered the fixture with intensity, hunger and renewed spirit, as though determined to make a statement following the technical bench shake-up.
Their control of possession was immediate, with coordinated pressing and sharp forward movements that pinned Mbeya City deep from the early minutes.
The first big turning point arrived in the 23rd minute when Mayanga was sent off, leaving Mbeya City with ten men.
That numerical advantage gave Simba the freedom to push bodies forward, and their breakthrough came in the 28th minute through Morice Abraham, who finished calmly after fine link-up play involving Mpanzu.
Ten minutes later, Jonathan Sowah doubled the lead with a composed strike, reflecting Simba’s dominance in midfield and attacking sharpness. The Reds circulated the ball quickly, creating width through their full-backs while forwards rotated fluidly between attacking pockets.
Matola’s side showed visible improvements in pressing and decision-making, especially during build-ups from the back.
Their passes were quicker, more accurate and more purposeful, allowing them to progress the ball into advanced spaces with ease.
The front-line interchanged roles without breaking shape, a tactical highlight of the first half.
Mbeya City struggled to contain Simba’s movement between lines. Their midfield sat too flat and wide, creating gaps which Simba exploited effortlessly.
With wingers drifting inside into half-spaces and overloads building around the No.10 area, Simba frequently entered the final third under minimal resistance.
In the second half, Mbeya City switched strategy by reducing their defensive risk and adding more bodies centrally to limit further damage.
Their compact shape slowed Simba’s penetration, forcing the hosts to recycle possession and wait for openings rather than flooding forward freely.
Despite the tightened structure, Simba maintained control and circulation, keeping Mbeya City trapped in their own half for long periods.
Their patience finally paid off in the 85th minute when second-half substitute Bajaber scored the third, set up by Mukwala after a well-timed break.
The goal meant much more than just sealing the result. It was Bajaber’s first goal for Simba, a special moment considering his difficult start to the season due to recurring injuries.
His celebration reflected relief and new confidence an indication he may now grow into a stronger attacking option for the club.
The result lifts Simba to 12 points after four league matches, placing them fifth on the standings, six games fewer than leaders JKT Tanzania, who top the league with 17 points.
With fewer matches played and strong form building, Simba have room to climb rapidly.
For Matola, this performance was a promising response from the dressing room.
The team looked aggressive, fluid and mentally sharper, suggesting that the transition may bring fresh motivation and tactical clarity.
A clean sheet, three goals, improved chemistry and a milestone for Bajaber Simba could not have hoped for a better restart. With confidence restored and competition for places rising, the club now turns attention to sustaining the rhythm and chasing the summit with renewed belief.
