Close shave for Simba

Pace makers Simba survived a nerve wrecking scare as they twice came from behind to salvage equalizers in a thrilling match against Moro United played at the Chamazi Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday ending in 3-3 draw.

Simba, who were fresh from their first defeat in the premiership season at the hands of their rivals Young Africans over the weekend, conceded a second minute goal through United’s Andrew Kasembe who combined well with Gaudence Mwaikimba.

It took the league leaders twenty minutes to draw level through defender Obadiah Mungusa who connected home Sum Machaku’s corner kick.

In form Kasembe was on target for Moro United two minutes to half time mark when he rounded off the entire Simba defence including goalkeeper Juma Kaseja to celebrate his double of the day.

Simba defence flopped again on the brink of the half time whistle when Gaudence Mwaikimba scored after combing well with Salum Telela to open a two-goal cushion lead.

Simba who were playing without their head coach Moses Basena who flew home to attend the funeral of his mother, fixed black armbands to sympathise with their trainer.

It was a god day for Moro United but they squandered the two goals cushion within four minutes of the second half when Gervais Kargo scored Simba’s second goal after 76 minutes through long range efforts.

Complacence reigned high among Moro United defenders when Salum Machaku leveled the score through a dead ball that sailed into the net leaving goalkeeper Lucheke Musa flat footed four minutes later.

Simba tried to fight both ends against the middle to search for the killer goal that never materialized.

Moro United played a defensive game in the remaining ten minutes as Simba pressed hard for an elusive winner.

Patrick Mafisango threw over board Simba’s best ever opportunity four minutes to time when he shot wide with goalkeeper at his mercy.

Moro United played with nine men for the remaining six minutes after Salum Telela was net off for a blatant four against Simba substitute Jonas Gerald.

This is Simba’s fourth draw of the season after thirteen matches but still they lead the table with paltry point over holders Yanga.

Line-ups:

Moro United:
Lucheke Musa, Salum Telela, Jafar Gonga, Rajab Zahir, Tumba Swedi, Omega Seme, Godfrey Wambura, Yahya Shariff, Gaudence Mwaikimba, Lambele Reuben and Andrew Kasembe/ Bakari Moakala.

Simba:
Juma Kaseja, Obadia Mungusa, Juma Jabu, Patrick Mafisango, Juma Nyoso, Shomari Kapombe, Jerry Santo, Felix Sunzu, Ulimboka Mwakingwe/gervais Kargo, Haruna Moshi, Salum Machaku.