Israel Saria
Simba FC
Seven times winners Simba have secured a quarterfinal slot of the ongoing Kagame Cup championship after beating the group A’s weakest side Etincelles of Rwanda by 2-0 goals at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
Playing before their home fans against the group’s weakest side, Simba needed 21 minutes to break the deadlock through Haruna Moshi.
Moshi released a power-packed shot that sailed into the net leaving Etincelles goalkeeper Kabamba Eric flat footed.
It was the tournament’s 50th goal of the tournament that came after Simba had besieged Etincelles goal with persistent raids right from the kick off/
Before Moshi scored he goal, Simba midfielder Mohamed Banka had his goal bound header bounce on the cross bar towards the scorer.
Simba dominated the match proceedings and had their opponents busy to defend the onslaughts throughout the match.
Etincelles made sporadic attacks but it was like grinding water as Simba enjoyed possession of more than 70 percent.
Striker Musa Hassan Mgosi scored Simba’s second and final goal after 75 minutes to lift fans of his team who roared in celebrations.
Mgosi’s goal came after Simba had thrown overboard numerous scoring opportunities through profligacy upfront.
However, Etincelles who have lost all of their four group stage matches become the first side to book an early flight home.
Without a point in the championships the team’s head coach Bizimana Abdou said the experience gained in the Kagame Cup is enough for the side to weigh other possibilities in the home premiership.
The victory has lifted struggling Simba at the top of the table with seven points, just one above Zanzibar Ocean View ahead of their final match against surprise package Red Sea at the same venue tomorrow.
Simba coach Moses Basena bemoaned of injuries sustained by his players and tight schedule in the five team group.
He said winger Ulimboka Mwakingwe has picked up injury and would take time to recover and ruled out of Sunday’s final group match.
In the first match of the day Red Sea of Eritrea shocked Vital’O by a lone goal scored by Biniam Fisemaye after 32 minutes.
Red Sea have collected six points too clear their way into the quarterfinal stage even if they lose their final game against Simba tomorrow.
Line-ups:
Simba:
Juma Kaseja, Salum Kanoni, Amir Maftah, Juma Nyoso, Derek Walulya, Jerry Santo, Shija Mkina/Nassoro Said, Mohamed Banka, Haruna Moshi, Athuman Idd/Mussa Mgosi, Salum Machaku/Patrick Mafisango.
Etincelles:
Kabamba Eric, Ngabonzima Muhamad,Gashema Landry, Nizeyimana Blaise, Manirakiza Victoire, Ndoli Samwel, Ochaya Sylva, Harorimana Dieu, Hakizimana Halid, Muhire Claver, Tuyishime Eric
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