Dar es Salaam. Simba SC moved to the top of the Premier League standings after grinding out a hard-earned 2–1 victory over JKT Tanzania, a result that lifted them to nine points following three consecutive league wins.
Despite the final scoreline, the match at times looked far from straightforward for the visitors, who were forced to overturn a second-half deficit before asserting their authority.
The match began with both teams approaching the contest with clear tactical identities.
JKT, under coach Ahmed Ally, set up with a disciplined defensive structure, mainly operating in a compact low block during the first half.
Their shape allowed them to crowd the central areas, limiting Simba’s creativity through the middle.
This forced Simba to construct their attacks with patience, relying heavily on their back line of Naby, Rushine and Nangu to progress the ball.
Kagoma frequently dropped deeper to collect possession behind JKT’s first pressing line, while Maema tried to find pockets behind JKT’s midfield.
Simba’s attacking routine saw Kapombe and Anthony pushing higher to stretch JKT’s shape, creating room for wingers Kibu and Mutale to operate in the half-spaces.
Despite these calculated movements, JKT defended intelligently, maintaining numbers centrally and winning second ballskey components of Ally’s strategy.
Their midfield trio, led by the composed Kante, repeatedly broke Simba’s pressing sequences and initiated transitions from deep.
Simba controlled possession, but JKT’s organisation restricted them from creating significant chances in the first half.
The visitors’ attempts to overload the central attacking channels were consistently checked by well-timed JKT interceptions and duels. With Simba struggling to break through, frustration grew, and the first half ended goalless.
The second half opened with a shift in momentum as both teams opted to play with greater attacking intent.
JKT moved from a deep low block into a more aggressive mid-block, which allowed them to press higher and challenge Simba’s build-up phases more frequently.
Their bravery paid off in the 60th minute when Edo Songo combined superbly with Paul Peter, eventually finishing calmly to put JKT 1–0 ahead.
The goal was a product of patience, composure and numerical intelligence in the midfield qualities JKT displayed throughout the match.
However, Simba’s response was immediate and decisive. Just four minutes later, Wilson Nangu who had been impressively composed throughout scored the equaliser after capitalising on Simba’s revived tempo.
His goal restored belief and shifted control firmly back to the visitors, who then applied sustained pressure in search of a winner.
JKT, while disciplined, began to feel the effects of the high-intensity second half.
The spaces that were tightly shut earlier began to open, allowing Simba’s creative players more influence.
In the 77th minute, the breakthrough arrived through Jonathan Sowah, who steered home the winner after excellent link-up play.
The Ghanaian forward showcased sharp movement and composure, delivering the decisive moment that completed Simba’s comeback.
Simba’s victory came not only through resilience but also through improved connectivity in midfield, especially after Morice Abraham’s introduction, which significantly increased the team’s attacking fluidity.
His presence allowed Simba to progress the ball more effectively and create clearer chances.
JKT, despite the defeat, earned admiration for their organisation and discipline.
Goalkeeper Omar Gonzo delivered a standout performance with several crucial saves, Wilson Nangu was calm in possession, Kante provided structure in midfield, while Ally Msengi and Nassoro battled tirelessly.
Their structure frustrated Simba for long spells, and their goal was well deserved.
But in the end, Simba’s experience, bench depth and individual quality proved decisive.
The win pushes Simba to the top of the table with nine points, reinforcing their strong start and signalling their intention to challenge firmly for the title this season.
