SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids has defended winger Ladaki Chasambi following his costly mistake that led to a 1-1 draw against Fountain Gate in the Premier League at Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Babati, Manyara, on Sunday.

The costly moment occurred in the 75th minute when Chasambi misjudged a back pass to goalkeeper Mussa Camara, leading to an own goal that gifted the hosts an equalizer. 

Despite the setback, Simba had opportunities to regain the lead but failed to convert their chances.

Simba had taken the lead in the 57th minute through Cameroonian forward Leonel Ateba, who capitalized on a well-placed pass from Chasambi inside the box. The goal, which came after a quick free-kick from Jean Charles Ahoua, marked Ateba’s eighth of the season.

However, the lead was short-lived as Chasambi’s misplaced pass allowed Fountain Gate back into the game. 

Following the equalizer, the hosts resorted to defensive play, limiting Simba’s attacking opportunities while launching occasional counterattacks that failed to yield another goal.

The draw sees Simba move to 44 points from 17 matches, trailing defending champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) by a single point at the top of the league table with 13 games remaining.

Speaking after the match, Davids (pictured) refused to blame Chasambi, urging fans and the team to support the young midfielder.

“But it's very important today that we protect Chasambi, because of the goal we conceded and he's a young player. He's a big talent in Tanzania and we have to protect him, we have to guide him.

“Through these lessons you learn the hard way in football, through your career as you grow up and you know he has to learn from this, but we will protect him. We will guide him, we will help him fulfil his potential because he's a top, top player,” he said.

“Conceding a goal like this, we have to support Chasambi, because we can't put the blame on him. You know we can't, although it was 1-0 and we were totally in control. They had no problems against us, but we needed that second goal to be able to kill off the game.”

Reflecting on missed chances, Davids acknowledged that it was not their day, particularly after striker Stephen Mukwala failed to score into an open net.

“If you create a chance like we did in the end, with no goalkeeper, open net and Mukwala hits it against Ateba, then you know it's not going to be your day.

“No, no, there was confusion with the last goal with both strikers going to score, which is normal. Fantastic by Mpanzu on the side, a ball in between the goalkeeper and the defense line and then one striker goes past it and Mukwala should put in an empty net.”

“But you know if you can't score chances like that, then of course maybe you don't deserve to win, because then it's maybe not your day. But a good performance overall, an unlucky moment by the young boy, but we have to support him like I said.”

Simba will now shift their focus to their next league match as they continue their pursuit of the title.