Steve Barker's Simba beat Azam to keep pace with Yanga

16.09.26 FT Premier League Tanzania

Azam FC

0

:

Simba SC

2

Steve Barker guided his Simba SC troops to a 2-0 victory over Azam FC in the NBC Tanzania Premier League on Wednesday, securing the bragging rights in the Mzizima derby.

The Reds of Msimbazi and Florent Ibenge's men were neck-on-neck in the first-half, with both defences proving hard to bypass as the two teams went into the break deadlocked.

Simba, however, opened the scoring in the 59th minute via an own goal from Nathan Idumba Fasika, with Rushine de Reuck initially credited for the goal, having interfered with play before the goal.

Barker's men put the game to bed eight minutes after hour mark, thanks to a low-drilled shot from in-form Clatous Chama, who pounced on a pass from Libasse Gueye inside the Azam box.

The 22-time Tanzanian champions, as a result, moved level on 18 points with log leaders and defending champions Young Africans, who are coached by Manqoba Mngqithi.

Notably, the two giants remain the only two teams unbeaten after six matches in the 2026/27 campaign, setting up a thrilling title race in the early stages of the new season.

Adding an interesting layer to the battle for supremacy, Simba will lock horns with Yanga in the famed Kariakoo derby in their next league outing on Saturday, 10 October after the FIFA International break.

Having been tasked with knocking Yanga off their perch, it remains to be seen whether Barker can pip his compatriot Mngiqithi in their first league meeting in Tanzanian football.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

Related teams and leagues

Azam FC

Simba SC

Premier League Tanzania