SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids has voiced his frustration following his side’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Azam FC in the Mainland Premier League, emphasizing the need to win all remaining matches to stay in the title race.

Speaking after the match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Davids (pictured) expressed disappointment over defensive lapses that cost Simba maximum points.

“I was very disappointed after a good performance. Conceding the first goal in the opening minutes was frustrating, and then the mistake right at the end cost us three points. These crucial errors - one at the beginning and one at the end—affected the outcome,” Davids lamented.

Despite Simba’s dominance for large parts of the match, Davids pointed out that the late equalizer was the result of poor defensive positioning.

“We were in control, but if you give Fei Toto space, allow a run in behind, and fail to position yourself well, you get punished. It was a fantastic ball behind us, and a goal - that’s really disappointing,” he explained.

“We have to take it on the chin, learn from it, and focus on the next match.”

Despite the setback, the South African tactician remains optimistic about the title race and has urged his players to stay focused.

“One point ahead, one point behind - it doesn’t make a big difference. What matters is winning every match. If we do that, we are champions. The next match is always the most important, and we must fight for three points before even thinking about the derby,” he stressed.

Davids also called upon Simba fans to keep supporting the team as the league battle intensifies.

“Simba fans, let’s not give up. Let’s keep pushing. The championship will go down to the wire. We must fight to win every match, and if we do, we will be champions. So, let’s get behind the team,” he urged.

Simba were on the verge of securing a crucial victory until Azam FC’s Zidane Sereri struck an 88th-minute equalizer. The young winger, who had just come on for Idd ‘Nado’ Suleiman, capitalized on a precise long pass from Feisal ‘Fei Toto’ Salum to beat goalkeeper Moussa Camara and defender Chamou Karaboue.

Zidane’s composed finish sent Azam fans into wild celebrations, while Simba players and supporters were left stunned. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award despite playing only a few minutes.

The thrilling encounter saw Azam take an early lead just one minute into the match. Winger Djibril Sillah reacted quickest to a cross from Nado, forcing Camara into a save before calmly slotting home the rebound.

Simba responded strongly, with Elli Mpanzu proving a constant threat to Azam’s defense. The Congolese midfielder levelled the score in the 25th minute after receiving a well-timed pass from Kibu Dennis Prosper.

In the second half, Simba took control and grabbed the lead in the 76th minute. Defender Abdurazack Mohamed Hamza rose highest to head in a perfectly delivered free kick from Jean Charles Ahoua, putting Simba on the brink of victory.

However, just as they prepared to celebrate their 17th league win of the season, Zidane’s late goal denied them the three points.

With this result, Simba remain second in the league standings with 51 points from 20 matches, trailing arch-rivals Young Africans SC (Yanga) by four points. However, the defending champions have played one more game.

Azam climbed to 44 points, maintaining their third-place position ahead of Singida Black Stars, who have 38 points from 21 matches.

The encounter marked the 34th meeting between Simba and Azam since the 2008/09 season. Historically, Simba have dominated the rivalry, winning 13 of the 34 encounters, while Azam have won 8 times, with 13 matches ending in draws.

As the title race heats up, Simba will now travel to face Coastal Union on Saturday, while Young Africans play Pamba Jiji in Mwanza on Friday.