Dar es Salaam. Libasse Gueye made an immediate impact on his Simba SC debut as the Msimbazi giants secured a convincing 2-0 win over Mashujaa in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, a result that sparked renewed optimism within the club.
Playing his first league match since joining Simba, the Senegalese winger delivered a composed and energetic display that underlined why the club moved quickly to secure his signature during the January transfer window.
Gueye, who was officially unveiled on January 17, 2026 after arriving from Senegalese side Teungueth FC, marked the occasion by scoring Simba’s opening goal in the 27th minute.
The goal came through individual brilliance, with the winger showing pace, close control and composure before beating Mashujaa goalkeeper, Patrick Munthali, to give Simba a deserved lead.
Throughout the first half, Gueye proved difficult to contain as he drifted intelligently between the left and right wings, repeatedly unsettling a Mashujaa defence marshalled by captain Mpoki Mwakinyuke.
Mashujaa’s problems deepened in the 40th minute when defender Samson Madeleke brought down Gueye inside the penalty area while attempting to halt another of his penetrating runs.
Referee Ahmed Arajiga from Manyara pointed to the spot, but Simba failed to capitalise as Kibu Denis saw his penalty saved by Munthali, who guessed correctly to deny the forward.
Despite the missed opportunity, Simba remained in control and continued to dominate possession and territory as Mashujaa struggled to recover from the pressure.
Head coach Steve Barker made a decisive change early in the second half, introducing Seleman Mwalimu in place of Kibu Denis to add fresh energy in attack.
The substitution paid off in the 75th minute when Mwalimu found the net, calmly finishing to double Simba’s advantage and effectively seal the contest.
Gueye remained influential until his withdrawal in the 77th minute, having not only scored but also played a key role in creating chances and forcing defensive errors.
Several other Simba new signings also impressed on their Mainland Premier League debuts at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Midfielders Clatous Chama and Anicet Oura displayed composure and tactical awareness, while defender Nickson Kibabage showed solidity at the back.
Goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali, a Niger international, produced a vital save in the 65th minute to deny Hassan Ali ‘Cheda’ and preserve Simba’s clean sheet.
Late appearances from Baraka Mwangosi and Ismael Touré further highlighted the squad depth at Barker’s disposal as Simba comfortably saw out the match.
The victory lifted Simba to 16 points from seven matches, moving them from sixth to fourth place in the league standings.
It also provided a timely boost in confidence ahead of their upcoming CAF Champions League fixture against Esperance this weekend, while Mashujaa remain eighth after suffering a second consecutive league defeat.
