A BRACE from striker Steven Mukwala handed Simba Sports Club a vital 2-1 victory over Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) FC in a Mainland Premier League clash held yesterday at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The hosts struck first in the 7th minute when Rashid Chambo unleashed a powerful 20-yard shot that left Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara with no chance. Simba responded quickly, equalizing in the 15th minute. Joshua Mutale exchanged passes with Kibu Denis inside the box, setting up Mukwala to slot home the leveller for the visitors.

The Msimbazi Reds continued to press forward, with Mutale's long-range effort narrowly missing the target. KMC, dangerous on the counterattack, had their chances too - Ali Kenne’s header off a Paul Oscar corner sailed over the bar in the 25th minute.

KMC goalkeeper Ally Ahamada made a series of crucial saves throughout the first half, notably stopping a Kean Charles Ahoua attempt in the 32nd minute and denying Mukwala on multiple occasions. 

Juma Shemvuni also came close for KMC, with his 38th-minute effort drifting just wide. Simba nearly took the lead just before halftime, but Shomari Kapombe’s dangerous cross went untouched in the six-yard box, and Mukwala failed to connect with a header moments later.

The breakthrough came just a minute into the second half when Mukwala completed his brace, finishing a clever pass from Mutale inside the box. Ahamada remained busy, stopping another shot from Mukwala in the 49th minute and later parrying a thunderous 35-yard strike from Abdulrazack Hamza over the crossbar.

With the win, Simba SC stay second on the league table with 69 points from 26 matches, recording 22 wins, three draws, and just one loss. One point behind leaders.

Table leaders Young Africans (Yanga) maintain a narrow lead with 70 points from the same number of matches, having won 23, drawn once, and lost twice.

KMC remain in 11th place with 30 points from 26 matches, with a record of eight wins, six draws, and 13 losses. 

Simba’s defense continues to impress, having conceded only 11 goals all season — the fewest in the league.

Starting Lineups

KMC FC: 

Ally Ahamada, Ali Kenne, Hance, Juma Shemvuni, Rashid Chambo, Baliko, Shaban Ali, Paschal, Paul Oscar, Abdallah Lanso, Salum Abubakary Salum

Simba SC: 

Moussa Camara, Shomari Kapombe, Valentin Nouma, Che Malone Fondoh, Abdulrazack Hamza, Augustine Okejepha, Fabrice Ngoma, Steven Mukwala, Jean Charles Ahoua, Joshua Mutale, Kibu Denis