FIRST-HALF strike from Steven Mukwala handed Simba SC a vital 1-0 victory over Singida Black Stars in a tightly contested Mainland Premier League encounter held yesterday at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The win saw Simba, currently second in the league standings, move to 72 points from 27 matches - just one point behind leaders and archrivals Young Africans (Yanga), who have also played 27 matches.

Singida Black Stars made an early push, with Adebayor Victorien’s 4th-minute free kick forcing a save from Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara.  A minute later, Singida goalkeeper Abasogie Amas denied Joshua Mutale before Adebayor fired a 25-yard effort that narrowly missed the target.

Abasogie was again called into action in the 19th minute, parrying a tricky attempt by Jean Charles Ahoua. Simba had a chance to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute, but Shomari Kapombe’s inviting cross went untouched before Ahoua fired into the side netting.

The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Mukwala latched onto a long pass from Ahoua, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted home to give Simba the lead. Singida came close to equalizing in the 54th minute, but Adebayor’s strike was well saved by Camara. 

Both goalkeepers were tested in the second half, with Abasogie making two key saves - first denying Mutale from close range, then watching Kapombe's rebound fly over the bar.

Despite the loss, Singida Black Stars, who have already secured a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup following an impressive campaign, remain fourth on the table with 53 points from 28 matches (16 wins, five draws, and seven losses).

Yesterday's match marked the beginning of a double-header between the two sides. They are set to meet again on May 31 in the Federation Cup semifinal at Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Manyara.

Simba’s strong recent form has reignited title hopes among their fans. However, the club knows that only a flawless run in the remaining matches will give them a realistic chance of overtaking Young Africans for the league crown.

Simba SC Starting XI:
Moussa Camara, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Chamou Karaboue, Che Malone Fondoh, Yusuph Kagoma, Joshua Mutale, Fabrice Ngoma, Steven Mukwala, Jean Charles Ahoua, Elie Mpamzu

Singida Black Stars Starting XI:
Abasogie Amas, Ande Koffi, Jonathan Sowah, Anthony Tra, Ibrahim Imoro, Morice Chukwu, Adebayor Victorien, Frank Kwabena, Kelvin Nashon, Josephat Bada, Marouf Tchakei.