ZANZIBAR – Tanzanian giants Simba SC took a giant step toward the Mapinduzi Cup semifinals on Saturday evening, securing a clinical 1-0 victory over Muembe Makumbi City FC at the Amaan Stadium.
The match, which drew a passionate crowd to Zanzibar’s iconic sporting cathedral, saw the “Kings of Msimbazi” assert their dominance early on and hold firm to claim all three points.
Bajaber the Difference Maker
The decisive moment arrived in the 21st minute when Kenyan-born striker Mohammed Ali Bajaber found space in the box to slot home the opening goal. Bajaber’s clinical finish proved to be the only goal of the night, highlighting his growing importance to the Simba frontline.
While Muembe Makumbi City fought valiantly to find an equalizer, Simba’s defensive discipline ensured they kept a clean sheet and silenced the local challengers.
The victory catapults Simba SC to the top of Group B with three points from their opening fixture. For Muembe Makumbi City, the result marks a heartbreaking end to their tournament journey. Having previously earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Fufuni SC, they now officially bow out of the competition.
The Final Hurdle
The group now boils down to a final showdown between Simba SC and Fufuni SC on Monday.
The math is simple for the Tanzanian powerhouses: Simba needs only a draw in their final group match against Fufuni to secure a spot in the semifinals.
However, Fufuni—currently sitting on one point—will be desperate for an upset victory to leapfrog Simba and snatch a place in the knockout stages.
Yanga Africans will take on KVZ FC in Sunday’s sole game of Group C.
