After a disagreement over kick off time delayed Tanzania’s biggest rivalry match, the Kariakoo Derby finally took place on Saturday and Young Africans SC defeated heated rivals Simba SC 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium to give title long shots Yanga a remote chance of stealing the Tanzania Mainland Premier League title. Simba still are three points up and have two games to make up on Young Africans, but the result gives Wananchi at least some major bragging rights towards the end of the campaign and puts distance between them and Azam for Tanzania’s CAF Confederation Cup spot.
The match had all the makings of a massive derby. The National Stadium was packed with supporters from both sides and Tanzania president Samia Suluhu was in attendance for the big occasion. Challenges from both sides were fierce and the opening exchanges were highly contested. In the 12th minute Yanga scored the major breakthrough following a corner kick, which Simba appeared to be on the verge of clearing but a blocked shot bounced temptingly on the edge of the area before Mauya Zawadi pounded a shot towards goal. Coming out from defending the post on the corner kick, fullback Shomari Kapombe tried to block the effort but ended up deflecting the shot into the goal as keeper Aishi Manula dove in the opposite direction.
Simba attempted to equalize before the halftime break but dynamic Mozambican winger Luis Miquissone failed to put a shot on target after dancing through a couple of Yanga defenders. Later on a precision counter attack from Simba ended with John Bocco having a clean look on goal but he could only send his shot right at Yanga keeper Metacha Mnata. A foul towards the end of the first half led to a heated confrontation between the two sides that required some time as well as bookings from the referee to settle things down.
After the break a golden chance to equalize popped up for Simba in the 53rd minute. Kapombe had plenty of space on the right flank and cut back low to a wide open Bernard Morrison, but the Ghanaian somehow sent his shot wide with plenty of the Yanga goal to shoot at. On 68 minutes Miquissone found his way past a defender on the edge of the area but blasted a shot over the bar. Simba continued to push for that precious tying goal but Young Africans kept the area in front of their goal well congested and held on tight to hand Simba their first league loss of 2021. Indeed, it was the first loss in league play for Simba since losing back-to-back matches last October.
Video of the goal are in the first video below and further down are extended highlights from the match that fully capture the intensity of the derby with video of all opportunities included.
Mauya Zawadi’s goal
Extended Highlights