SIMBA SC closed the gap at the top of the Mainland Premier League standings with a commanding 6-0 victory over Dodoma Jiji FC in a match held yesterday at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

Three first-half goals - one from Elie Mpanzu and a brace from Jean Charles Ahoua - followed by another three in the second half - one from Steven Mukwala and a brace from Kibu Denis - propelled Simba to 57 points, just one point behind league leaders Young Africans.

Simba threatened early when Mukwala’s free header landed in the hands of Dodoma Jiji goalkeeper Allan Ngereka following a cross from David Kameta Duchu.

Despite missing key players such as goalkeeper Moussa Camara, central defender Che Malone Fondoh, full-back Shomari Kapombe, and striker Leonel Ateba, Simba took the lead in the 15th minute when Mpanzu slotted home a pass from Kibu just outside the 18-yard box.

Ngereka was called into action again in the 17th minute, making a crucial save from a shot by left-back Mohamed Hussein. However, Ahoua doubled Simba’s lead in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Hussein that Mukwala missed.

Ahoua almost found the net again but was denied by the post. However, he completed his brace in the 45th minute, finishing a well-placed pass from Kibu to give Simba a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Simba wasted no time extending their advantage after the break, as Mukwala netted the fourth goal just a minute into the second half, converting a cross from Mpanzu. 

A minute later, Mukwala squandered another chance after failing to connect with another delivery from Mpanzu.

Kibu made it 5-0 in the 57th minute with a well-timed header from Ahoua’s corner. Ahoua then hit the crossbar following an assist from Mukwala, narrowly missing another goal.

Kibu wrapped up the scoring in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a shot from Ahoua to complete his brace and seal a dominant win for Simba.

Simba entered the match fresh from a 3-0 victory over TMA Stars in the Federation Cup Round of 32, where they will next face Bigman FC in the Round of 16.

With this victory, Simba remain second on the table with 57 points from 22 matches, just one point behind Young Africans, who have 58 points from the same number of games. The win keeps Simba’s title hopes alive as the championship race intensifies.

Simba boast the league’s best defensive record, conceding just eight goals this season—one fewer than Young Africans, who have allowed nine. However, Young Africans hold an attacking edge with 58 goals compared to Simba’s 52.