Singida. It took just 15 minutes for Ellie Mpanzu to change the story of the match, scoring the decisive goal that secured Simba SC a 2–1 victory today, March 11, 2026 over Singida Black Stars in a Tanzanian Premier League clash at Airtel Stadium.
With the game level heading into the final stages, Simba coach Steve Barker was searching for the player who could make the difference.
By the 75th minute, the match was still balanced and the pressure was mounting.
Barker turned to Mpanzu, who had looked eager to make an impact even while warming up on the sidelines.
The decision proved to be the turning point of the match.
In the 84th minute, Mpanzu broke through the defensive line after perfectly timing his run to beat the offside trap.
Receiving a precise pass from Clatous Chama, the Congolese forward calmly finished the move, sending Simba fans into celebration and ensuring they left Mtipa Stadium with pride.
For more than 30 minutes of the second half, Simba dominated possession but struggled to find a real threat in the attacking third despite several tactical changes by Barker.
The coach initially relied on Inno Loemba, later introduced Baraka Mwangosi, and finally Ellie Mpanzu.
Unlike the usual wide positioning, Mpanzu drifted into central areas, adding an extra attacking option and eventually delivering the winning goal.
How the match unfolded
Simba started the match strongly, pressing Singida Black Stars and attacking mainly through the wings where Anicet Oura and Libasse Gueye were active.
Their efforts paid off early.
In the 7th minute, Oura capitalized on a defensive scramble inside the Singida box to score and give Simba an early lead.
Simba controlled most of the first 30 minutes, but Singida Black Stars gradually grew into the game and found their equalizer late in the first half.
In the 38th minute, Ndumumwe Mossi headed in a cross from Lamin Jarjou, bringing Singida back into the match.
By halftime, Simba had three shots on target, while Singida managed two shots, one on target.
Second half changes
Simba returned from the break with a tactical change as Alassane Kante was substituted for Baraka Mwangosi.
This forced Inno Loemba to drop deeper into midfield, taking Kante’s role alongside Yusuph Kagoma, while Mwangosi led the attack.
Despite the adjustments, Simba struggled in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, with Singida Black Stars appearing more organized and confident.
Singida benefited from the experience of Khalid Aucho in midfield and the attacking runs of Lamin Jarjou on the right wing.
In the 69th minute, Singida made a double substitution, replacing Aucho and Mossi with Elvis Rupia and Linda Mtange.
Simba responded shortly after by bringing on Morice Abraham for Libasse Gueye.
A major chance came in the 77th minute when Mwangosi failed to convert a clear opportunity from a cross by Shomari Kapombe.
As the match entered its final minutes, Simba intensified their attacks. Ellie Mpanzu came on for Loemba, and his impact was immediate.
Seven minutes later, he scored the winning goal, sealing a dramatic 2–1 victory for Simba.
Lineups
Singida Black Stars: Metacha Mnata, Morice Chukwu, Ibrahim Imoro, Abdulmalick Zakaria, Khalid Aucho, Kennedy Juma, Joseph Guede, Lamin Jarjou, Ande Koffi, Iddi Habibu, Ndumumwe Mossi.
Simba SC: Mahamadou Kassali, Shomari Kapombe, Libasse Gueye, Inno Loemba, Alassane Kante, Anicet Oura, Yusuph Kagoma, Rushine De Reuck, Ismael Toure, Nickson Kibabage, Clatous Chama.
