Simba climbed to the top of the Mainland Premier League table after edging past Mbeya City 1-0 at Sokoine Stadium on Tuesday, with in-form midfielder Elie Mpanzu once again proving the difference.
The victory lifted Simba to 64 points, one clear of reigning champions Yanga SC, who have 63 points and face Fountain Gate in a crucial fixture as the title race enters its decisive phase.
For Mbeya City, however, the defeat leaves them in deeper relegation trouble.
With only three matches remaining against Dodoma Jiji, Pamba Jiji and TRA United, their hopes of avoiding the drop are hanging by a thread.
Simba controlled much of the contest and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, creating a number of promising opportunities but lacking the cutting edge to add to their solitary goal.
The visitors threatened early through a series of set-pieces delivered by Kibu Denis, Clatous Chama and Libasse Guèye, although none of their efforts could unlock the Mbeya City defence.
At the other end, Mbeya City showed glimpses of danger through Hassan Dilunga and Rifati Hamis, but neither managed to seriously trouble goalkeeper Mamadou Kasali.
Simba came close to breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Shomari Kapombe’s effort from close range was superbly saved by goalkeeper Hashim Mussa.
The breakthrough finally arrived two minutes later.
Chama threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the area and Mpanzu made no mistake, calmly slotting home to give Simba a deserved 1-0 lead before half-time.
The strike was Mpanzu’s ninth league goal of the campaign and extended his scoring streak to three consecutive matches, having also found the net against Dodoma Jiji and Pamba Jiji.
His impressive run of form has come at a crucial moment for Simba, whose eighth straight league victory keeps them firmly on course in the battle for the championship.
While the results continue to arrive, Simba’s attacking output has become less prolific in recent weeks.
Since their emphatic 4-0 victory over TRA United, they have failed to score more than two goals in any league match.
Their recent victories have all been hard-fought affairs: a 2-1 win over Coastal Union, a 1-0 success against Dodoma Jiji, a 2-1 triumph over Pamba Jiji and now a narrow 1-0 victory over Mbeya City.
With the title race finely poised, Simba have piled the pressure on Yanga and will now await their rivals’ response as the battle for the Premier League crown gathers momentum.
