SIMBA SC clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over JKT Tanzania in their Premier League match yesterday at the KMC Complex, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty scored by substitute Jean Charls Ahoua.

The decisive moment occurred in the 90+1 minute when Simba’s relentless attack forced JKT Tanzania into critical errors. 

Substitute Mohamed Bakari fouled Simba defender Shomari Kapombe inside the 18-yard box, and another JKT defender compounded the situation by handling the ball. 

Referee Kepha Kayombo wasted no time pointing to the penalty spot, while Bakari was shown his second yellow card, followed by a red.

Ahoua stepped up to take the penalty and displayed nerves of steel, calmly sending JKT Tanzania goalkeeper Yacoub Suleiman the wrong way to net the only goal of the match.

Simba showed intent from the start, mounting their first attack as early as the 5th minute when Awesu Awesu was fouled, earning a free kick. 

Valentino Nouma’s delivery was dangerous but was successfully cleared by JKT Tanzania’s defense within the six-yard box.

Goalkeeper Suleiman had a busy evening and came to JKT’s rescue several times. In the 16th minute, he made an impressive save, tipping Leonel Ateba’s header over the crossbar after a pinpoint cross from Nouma. 

Later, in the 37th minute, Suleiman punched away a free kick from Elie Mpanzu, awarded after Ladack Chasambi was fouled.

Simba returned from halftime with renewed vigor, creating multiple scoring opportunities. In the 56th minute, Ateba unleashed a powerful strike following a well-placed pass from Mpanzu, but Suleiman once again denied the attempt with a brilliant save.

Ahoua, who would later be the hero of the match, came close in the 68th minute. His well-taken free kick narrowly sailed over the crossbar, keeping the scoreline level until the dying moments of the game.

This vital win extended Simba’s lead at the top of the Premier League table. They now have 37 points from 14 matches, maintaining a four-point lead over second-placed Young Africans, who have 33 points from 13 matches. 
Azam and Singida Black Stars are tied in third place, both with 33 points after 15 matches.

The victory underscores Simba’s determination to maintain their dominance in the league, with their strong attack and solid defense proving critical in high-pressure moments like this match.

Simba Sports Club starting line-up:

Moussa Camara, Shomari Kapombe, Valentino Nouma, Abdulrazack Hamza, Fondor Che Malone, Fabrice Ngoma, Awesu Awesu, Leonel Ateba, Elie Mpanzu, Ladack Chasambi

JKT Tanzania Football Club starting line-up:

Yacoub Suleiman Ally, Salum Khamis Salum, Edson Katanga, Wilson Nangu, Said Ndemla, Hassan Nassoro, Hassan Kapalata, Najim Maguru, David Brayson, Iddy Gamba, Ramadhan Kichuya.