Simba SC kicked off their campaign to reclaim the Tanzanian Premier League title with a 4-2 victory against Mtibwa Sugar in Morogoro on Thursday.
In the season opener, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi needed goals courtesy of Jean Baleke, Willy Onana, Fabrice Ngoma, and Clatous Chama to open the new campaign with a bang. Mtibwa’s goals came courtesy of Matheo Anthony, who scored a double.
It was Baleke who put Simba ahead with only five minutes played before Cameroonian Onana, who signed for the side from Rayon Sports added the second in the ninth minute. Mtibwa responded with two quickly taken goals courtesy of Anthony, who punished errors from goalkeeper Ally Salim on the two occasions.
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However, Simba ensured they headed into the half-time break leading 3-2 after Ngoma scored in the 44th minute. On resumption, Simba kept pressing, and they scored the fourth when Zambia international Chama scored in the 80th minute off a cross from Luis Miquissone.
Meanwhile, promoted side Mashujaa proved they are a force to reckon with this season after humiliating Kagera Sugar 2-0 in their Premier League opener at Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma on Wednesday. Mashujaa, who qualified to play in the top-flight after a stamping 4-1 aggregate victory over Mbeya City in the play-off stage, seem to be full-winged for the campaign.
It was also a good start for JKT Tanzania, also debutants, who sealed a 1-0 away win over Namungo at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa on Tuesday night.