sportskeeda
Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC closed the gap on league leaders Young Africans with a remarkable 5-1 victory over Pamba SC in the Tanzanian Premier League on Thursday, aiming to heat up the title race.
Ivorian midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua scored a hat trick, while Cameroon’s Leonel Ateba added two quick goals in the last 10 minutes, securing a commanding win against the team in 13th place.
The Reds of Msimbazi raised their point tally to 66 after 25 matches, with a game in hand over arch-rivals Yanga, who currently sit atop the table with 70 points from 26 games while pursuing a fourth consecutive championship title.
Davids’ squad is enjoying an impressive unbeaten streak of 19 games in the Tanzanian top league, boasting 17 wins and 2 draws, with their last defeat occurring in October 2024 during the pivotal Kariakoo derby against Yanga.
Interestingly, the two giants have not yet met in the second round, as Simba boycotted the derby in March due to a rule infringement by Yanga, which led to the match being abandoned.
However, a new date has been set, with the title contenders scheduled to clash on June 15 according to the Tanzanian Football Federation’s timetable. This matchup could be a critical factor in the title race, adding to the rivalry’s intensity.
In other developments, South African forward Cassius Mailula made an impact for Wydad Athletic Club, scoring in their 2-0 victory over Salmi, with former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil netting the second goal. Thembinkosi Lorch, named Wydad’s player of the month for March, also participated in the match.
The Masandawana academy graduate, currently on a season-long loan from MLS team Toronto FC, has recorded four goals and seven assists in 32 appearances this season.
Following two consecutive wins after the exit of Rulani Mokwena, Wydad is just three points behind second-placed FAR Rabat as they seek a spot in the CAF Champions League, with one match remaining.
With 51 points amassed, Wydad will be eager to bolster their chances for a CAF Confederations Cup position in their upcoming encounter against fifth-placed Renaissance Club Zemamra, although a return to Africa’s premier club competition seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Rabat, boasting a five-goal advantage in goal difference over the Red Castle, will face 13th-placed Hassania Agadir in their second-to-last game.
