Simba SC delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday evening, defeating Pamba Jiji 5-1 in an NBC Premier League clash at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.
The victory strengthens Simba’s title push, taking them to 66 points just four behind arch-rivals and league leaders Yanga SC.
The Reds wasted no time asserting dominance. In the 16th minute, midfielder Joan Ahoua opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Joshua Mutale was brought down in the box.
“We came in focused and determined,” said Ahoua after the match. “It was important to score early and set the tone.”
Simba doubled their lead in the 37th minute, carrying a comfortable 2-0 advantage into halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, Ahoua struck again, making it 3-0 with a clinical finish.
“We told ourselves at halftime that we weren’t done yet,” Simba head coach Abdelhak Benchikha said. “We wanted more goals, and the players responded brilliantly.”
In the 80th minute, substitute Leonel Ateba joined the action, netting the fourth goal before scoring again in the 84th to make it 5-0.
Pamba Jiji managed a late consolation goal in the 86th minute through Mathew Momanyi, but it did little to change the story of Simba’s dominance.
“Conceding was unfortunate,” said Simba defender Mohammed Hussein. “But overall, it was a great team performance.”
Ahoua’s hat-trick earned him the Man of the Match honors, and he was quick to credit the team. “This was a team win. I’m proud to get the goals, but we played as one unit.”
Simba now turn their attention to their next fixture against KMC, as they look to maintain pressure on Yanga in the final stretch of the season.
“We’re not giving up the chase,” added Benchikha. “Every game is a final from here on out.”
With momentum on their side and goals flowing freely, Simba’s title hopes remain very much alive.
