SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids expressed satisfaction after his team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Singida Black Stars at Liti Stadium, Singida, a result that ensured Simba ended 2024 atop the Premier League standings.

However, he acknowledged the need for his team to improve as they head into the second round of the season.

“It’s another three points in an away game against a difficult opponent,” Davids (pictured) said in his post-match remarks. “From the first minute to the last, it was clear they came to disrupt our rhythm, slowing the game and wasting time. 

“I was surprised by their approach, as I expected them to face us head-on. Instead, they seemed content to sit back and aim for a draw.”

Despite the challenges posed by Singida’s tactics and the uneven pitch conditions, Simba managed to adapt and secure victory through midfielder Fabrice Ngoma’s 41st-minute header, which came off a well-delivered corner by Jean Charles Ahoua.

“The pitch was difficult; the ball didn’t roll well, making it hard to string passes together. But we don’t complain. We adapt, and that’s what we did. We executed our strategy to claim the three points,” Davids explained.

Davids voiced his frustration over officiating decisions, pointing out that Simba were denied two clear penalties and a legitimate goal. 

“Kibu Denis was fouled twice in the box, and his goal, which was perfectly valid, was disallowed. While I don’t want to seem greedy, I feel those decisions could have given us a more comfortable scoreline. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for the effort the players put in,” he said.

The win marked Simba’s ninth consecutive league victory since their defeat to archrivals Young Africans in the Dar es Salaam Derby on October 19. It was also their 13th win in 15 first-round matches, giving them an unassailable 40 points at the halfway stage.

Ngoma’s goal was his third of the season and his second consecutive away strike, following his contribution in Simba’s 5-2 thrashing of Kagera Sugar two weeks ago. 

Simba now boast 31 goals scored and only five conceded, the best defensive record in the league.

Singida Black Stars, currently fourth on the table with 33 points from 16 matches, put up a solid defensive display but struggled to capitalize on their chances. 

Key players like Elvis Rupia, Marouf Tchakei, and Joseph Bada failed to break through Simba’s resolute defense, marshaled by Abdulrazak Hamza and Fondoh Che Malone.

Singida’s goalkeeper, Metacha Mnata, made a critical error that led to Ngoma’s goal, his header slipping past Mnata after being redirected by Simba’s Ellie Mpanzu. Despite their efforts, Singida could not recover.

The home side will rue missed opportunities, particularly two clear chances squandered by Rupia, who leads the league’s scoring chart with eight goals. 

Rupia’s lack of composure in front of goal, including a one-on-one chance against Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara, proved costly. 

Camara, who now has 12 clean sheets in 15 matches, further solidified his reputation as the league’s top goalkeeper.

Simba fans, who filled Liti Stadium despite the home side receiving vocal support from Young Africans fans, left celebrating a crucial win. However, Davids emphasized the importance of sustaining their momentum in the second half of the season.

“It doesn’t matter whether we’re first, second, or third at this point. What matters is our progress and how we build on this project. We know we need a stronger second round if we’re to challenge for the title,” he said.

Simba now turn their focus to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien on January 5, followed by matches against Algeria’s CS Constantine and Angola’s Bravos do Maquis. 

Davids is confident the team will use the break to fine-tune their strategies for both domestic and continental success.

Simba’s consistency and depth continue to shine, but with the second-round looming, they must remain sharp to maintain their edge in the title race.