The Msimbazi Reds were on Thursday, March 19, 2026 held to a 1-1 draw by Pamba Jiji at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.
The draw marked Simba’s third in their last four league matches, leaving them with 28 points in third place.
Simba started the first half with vigour, hunting an early goal. Coach Steve Barker made bold selections, fielding Ellie Mpanzu, Anicent Oura and Libasse Gueye together for the first time.
Mpanzu spearheaded the attack as the central striker, flanked by Oura and Gueye in their accustomed wide roles, with Clatous Chama providing creative support from midfield.
Barker’s gamble paid dividends in the 33rd minute when a lightning counter-attack saw Mpanzu thread a perfectly timed pass to Oura, who slotted home to send the visiting fans into raptures.
But Pamba Jiji were quick to respond. Barely three minutes later, James Mwashinga curled a spectacular free-kick past Simba goalkeeper Mahamadou Kassali, restoring parity and ensuring the two sides went into the break locked at 1-1.
The second half saw Simba dominate possession, relentlessly probing for a winner.
Yet, Pamba Jiji defended with impressive organisation, often crowding their defensive third and frustrating Simba’s attacking efforts.
In the 74th minute, Simba introduced Morice Abraham for Alasane Kante in a bid to inject energy and control the midfield, but the substitution failed to break the deadlock.
The match concluded in a draw, echoing the result of Yanga against TRA United the previous day.
Pamba Jiji have continued to shine on their home turf, ranking second in the Mainland Premier League for points accumulated at home, trailing only Yanga.
The Mwanza-based side have claimed 19 points from eight home fixtures, recording wins against Namungo (1-0), Coastal Union (3-0), KMC (3-0), Fountain Gate (1-0), and Mashujaa (2-1).
Their four home draws came against TRA United (0-0), Singida Black Stars (1-1), Azam FC (2-2), and Simba (1-1).
Overall, Pamba Jiji have scored 14 goals at home while conceding just five, showcasing a sturdy and organised defence.
Yanga remain the top home performers with seven wins and a solitary draw (22 points), followed by Mtibwa Sugar with 17, Azam FC in fourth with 15, and Simba in seventh with 13 points from just six home games.
Line-Ups
Pamba Jiji: Yona Amosi, Abdulmajid Mangalo, Ibrahim Abraham, Mathew Tegisi, Peter Lwasa, Keneth Kunambi, Shaphan Siwa, Zabona Mayombya, James Mwashinga, Hassan Kibailo, Michael Samamba.
Simba: Mahamadou Kassali, Shomary Kapombe, Nickson Kibabage, Ismael Toure, Rushine de Reuck, Yusuph Kagoma, Alasane Kante, Anicent Oura, Yusuph Kagome, Ellie Mpanzu, Clatous Chama, Libasse Gueye.
