Sunday, March 1, 2026, is a day eagerly awaited by football fans and enthusiasts across Tanzania and beyond.
The giant clash between Yanga and Simba, the traditional rivals of Kariakoo, is set to take place at the New Amaan Complex Stadium in Zanzibar.
Anticipation is high as supporters wonder whether Yanga will continue their dominance in March encounters or if Simba will finally break their spell.
Simba enters the match seeking their first Premier League win over Yanga since a 2-0 victory on April 16, 2023.
That defeat remains a distant memory for Yanga fans, who have often triumphed over Simba in March fixtures.
Records dating back to 1965 show that these two teams have met ten times in the month of March in the Premier League, with Yanga winning four, drawing five, and Simba winning only once.
The first March Kariakoo Derby took place on March 30, 1968.
Yanga emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to Kitwana Manara’s goal in the 28th minute.
The result was sweet revenge for Yanga, who had lost 1-0 to Simba in November 1966.
That early encounter set the tone for Yanga’s March successes in the years to come.
On March 3, 1969, Simba refused to field a team against Yanga, citing disagreements with instructions from the Tanzania Football Association. Some claim that fear of Yanga’s strength also played a role.
Yanga, representing Tanzania in the African Club Championship at the time, had shown formidable skill, defeating teams like Fitarikandro of Madagascar and St George of Ethiopia, and narrowly losing to Asante Kotoko on penalties.
Simba’s boycott resulted in a 2-0 victory Yanga and the crowning of the club as league champions, while Simba was fined.
In March 1984, Yanga and Simba met for the third time in the month, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Idd Pazi scored for Simba with a penalty in the 20th minute, but Omar Hussein equalised for Yanga in the 72nd minute.
Two years later, on 15 March 1986, the teams drew 1-1 again.
John Hassan Douglas put Simba ahead, while Abeid Mziba scored for Yanga, continuing the pattern of tight March battles.
Yanga’s 2-1 win over Simba on March 27, 1993 provided a rare March victory.
Said Mwamba Kizota scored both goals for Yanga in the 47th and 57th minutes, and Edward Chumila scored for Simba in the 75th minute.
Despite the competitiveness of these fixtures, some March clashes ended in goalless draws, such as those on March 18, 1995 and March 26, 2006.
On March 5, 2011, Yanga and Simba drew 1-1 once more. Stefano Mwasyika scored a penalty for Yanga, while Mussa Hassan Mgosi equalised for Simba, sparking controversy when the referee initially disallowed the goal before reversing his decision.
The match was a reminder of the intensity and drama that Kariakoo Derbies bring to Tanzanian football.
The first March match on International Women’s Day took place on March 8, 2015.
Simba ended Yanga’s five-match winless streak against them with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Emmanuel Okwi’s goal at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Five years later, on the same date, Yanga took revenge with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a Benard Morrison free-kick.
That match was attended by former Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli and CAF President Ahmad Ahmad, marking a historic occasion.
Yanga’s 2025 encounters with Simba have also been noteworthy.
On June 25, 2025, Yanga defeated Simba 2-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with goals from Pacome Zouzoua and Clement Mzize, securing the 2024–2025 Premier League title.
This victory marked Yanga’s 31st league championship since 1965.
Simba, finishing second, had won 25 matches but failed to claim the title for the fourth consecutive season.
The rivalry between Yanga and Simba has long been a highlight of Tanzanian football, particularly in March.
Fans eagerly anticipate each clash, aware of the drama, tension, and memorable moments that always accompany the Kariakoo Derby.
Over the years, March has seen Yanga display dominance, but Simba’s rare victories have kept the rivalry alive.
The Premier League records for March since 1965 show Yanga as the more successful side, with four wins, five draws, and one loss in ten matches.
Simba has managed only a single win during this period, illustrating the difficulty they face in breaking Yanga’s March dominance.
Overall league records since 1965 further highlight Yanga’s historical strength.
Yanga has won 42, drawn 40, and lost 32 of 114 encounters, scoring 123 goals and conceding 105, while Simba has won 32, drawn 40, and lost 42, scoring 105 goals and conceding 123.
As the March 11, encounter since 1965 approaches, fans are eager to see whether Yanga will continue to dominate or if Simba can finally turn the tide.
The match promises to be another chapter in a long-standing rivalry that has shaped Tanzanian football history.
With both teams bringing experience, talent, and a fierce desire to win, the March 1, 2026 Kariakoo Derby is expected to produce thrilling moments, intense competition, and unforgettable memories for everyone in attendance.
The match is more than just a game; it is a test of pride, legacy, and the spirit of Tanzanian football.
Every pass, tackle, and goal will carry the weight of decades of rivalry, making this encounter particularly special.
Fans will be watching closely, hoping to witness the continuation of Yanga’s dominance or the emergence of Simba as March conquerors.
Whichever team prevails, the derby promises drama, excitement, and a display of football at its finest.
The history of March Kariakoo Derbies reminds everyone that football in Tanzania is about passion, loyalty, and the thrill of competition.
Each match writes a new page in a story that began over half a century ago.
Sunday, March 1, 2026, will therefore be a day to remember.
Supporters, players, and officials alike will come together to celebrate the sport, the rivalry, and the enduring legacy of Yanga and Simba in Tanzanian football.
