Dar es Salaam. In a thrilling encounter at the KMC Complex today (Tuesday), Charles Jean Ahoua’s last-gasp penalty in the 90+5 minute sealed a dramatic victory for Simba SC over a resilient JKT Tanzania.
The result keeps Simba firmly at the summit of the Tanzania Premier League standings, extending their lead over second-placed Yanga SC to four points.
Simba now have 37 points, while Yanga trail with 33.
The penalty, awarded in the dying moments of the match, came after Simba’s right-back, Shomary Kapombe, was brought down inside the box by Bakari Mohammed, who was subsequently sent off.
Ahoua stepped up under immense pressure and slotted the ball into the back of the net, sending the Simba fans in the packed stadium into raptures.
The match began with both teams displaying tactical discipline, especially during the first 45 minutes.
JKT Tanzania, playing with a compact defensive strategy, frustrated Simba’s attacking attempts and often crowded their defensive half to block any clear goal-scoring opportunities.
Simba, on the other hand, sought to impose their dominance but struggled to find a breakthrough despite controlling possession.
Within the opening 15 minutes, Simba managed to penetrate JKT Tanzania’s penalty area twice, but neither attempt yielded a goal.
Most of the first half action was concentrated in midfield, where both teams battled for control, with Simba’s creative trio of Elie Mpanzu, Awesu Awesu, and Ladack Chasambi showing flashes of brilliance.
Simba’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, made an intriguing decision to bench Charles Jean Ahoua, instead starting with the aforementioned trio to support lone striker Leonel Ateba.
This attacking unit caused trouble for JKT Tanzania’s defense, with their fluid movement and positional interchange unsettling the opposition.
Mpanzu, in particular, stood out, operating mostly on the right wing but frequently cutting inside to create chances.
His two powerful shots on goal in the first half were a testament to his ability to find dangerous spaces.
JKT Tanzania, however, proved why they had gone five consecutive matches without conceding.
Their backline, marshaled by central defenders Edson Katanga and Wilson Nangu, was rock solid, while full-backs Salum Salum and David Bryson worked tirelessly to neutralize Simba’s wing play.
The second half saw Simba shift gears, with coach Davids making critical substitutions to inject more pace and creativity into the attack.
Steven Mukwala, Mohammed Hussein, Joshua Mutale, Valentine Mashaka, and Ahoua were introduced, replacing Awesu, Mpanzu, Valentino Nouma, Debora Mavambo, and Ateba.
The changes revitalized Simba’s offense, and they began to mount relentless waves of attacks.
As the clock ticked towards full-time, Simba’s persistence finally paid off.
In a chaotic moment inside JKT Tanzania’s penalty area, Kapombe was fouled by Bakari Mohammed, leading to the penalty decision.
With the weight of the match on his shoulders, Ahoua remained calm and clinically dispatched the spot-kick, sending Simba’s supporters and bench into wild celebrations.
The victory not only marked Simba’s eighth consecutive league win, but also showcased their resilience and hunger for the title.
The electric atmosphere at the KMC Complex was a fitting backdrop to a game filled with drama, tactical battles, and moments of brilliance.
