Simba SC were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Coastal Union in a gripping encounter at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
The showdown showcased a match that swung like a pendulum between two halves. Simba took charge in the first, with goals from Mohamed Hussein and Leonel Ateba, while Coastal Union seized control in the second half, equalising with strikes from Abdallah Hassan and Hernest Malonga.
The first half belonged to Simba, who started on a high note with Captain Mohamed Hussein finding the net in the 25th minute.
Hussein capitalised on a costly error by Coastal Union goalkeeper, Ley Matampi, igniting the home crowd’s excitement. Simba’s relentless attacking prowess kept Coastal Union on the back foot, and their pressure paid off when a handball in the penalty box led to a spot kick.
Ateba confidently converted the penalty in the 38th minute, doubling Simba’s lead and sending their fans into frenzy. However, the tide turned dramatically after the break.
Just two minutes into the second half, Coastal Union’s Hassan unleashed a stunning long-range strike that left Simba goalkeeper, Mussa Camara, completely helpless as it sailed into the net.
The visitors’ momentum surged, and the atmosphere shifted in their favour. In the 72nd minute, Coastal Union found their equaliser through substitute Malonga.He struck a perfectly placed shot from outside the box, taking advantage of another goalkeeper’s blunder.
With the draw, Simba climbed to second place in the standings with 13 points, while Coastal Union remained in 13th place with just five points. The match showcased the thrilling unpredictability of football, leaving fans eager for the next round of action.
- By Daily News.