A HAT-TRICK from Jean Charles Ahoua and a brace by Leonel Ateba powered Simba SC to a commanding 5-1 win over Pamba Jiji FC in their Mainland Premier League clash held yesterday at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The win left Simba to second place on the table with 66 points from 25 matches - having recorded 21 wins, three draws, and just one loss. Table-toppers Young Africans (Yanga) remain in the lead with 70 points from 26 matches, having won 23, drawn once, and lost twice.

Simba’s solid defense continues to shine, with the team having conceded only 10 goals all season. This was the second meeting between the two sides this season. Simba had previously edged out Pamba Jiji 1-0 in their first-round encounter on November 22, with Cameroonian striker Leonel Ateba scoring the winner.

Simba came into the match on a strong run of form, winning four of their last five matches and drawing one. Pamba Jiji, in contrast, had a mixed recent record with one win, two draws, and two defeats.

Ahoua opened the scoring in the 15th minute, converting a penalty after Joshua Mutale was brought down in the box. The Ivorian midfielder calmly sent goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara the wrong way.

Simba had earlier threatened in the 8th minute when Ahoua’s free-kick was saved by Kamara. The keeper was again called into action in the 17th and 18th minutes, denying efforts from Mutale and Ateba.

Ahoua doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a superb free-kick from outside the box, following a foul on Mutale by Pamba Jiji captain James Mwashinga. Ahoua nearly added a third before halftime but failed to connect with a cross inside the six-yard box alongside Ateba. 

He eventually completed his hat-trick in the 48th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross from Mpanzu. Mpanzu squandered another golden chance in the 68th minute, heading over the bar from close range.

Kamara continued to battle in goal, making a key save in the 77th minute by punching away a deflected shot from substitute Valentin Nouma. Ateba made it 4-0 in the 80th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Kamara had parried a header from Kibu Denis. 

Four minutes later, Ateba sealed his brace and Simba’s fifth goal with a thunderous 20-yard volley that Kamara couldn’t stop. Pamba Jiji scored a consolation goal in stoppage time through Matthew Momanyi.

Simba will stay at the KMC Complex to face KMC FC on Sunday, looking to complete their backlog of fixtures in what could be a decisive phase for their title challenge. Meanwhile, Pamba Jiji continue their battle against relegation and will be desperate to pick up points in the remaining fixtures.