Tanzania Premier League heavyweights Simba SC and Azam FC both ended with goalless stalemates, handing an advantage to leaders Young Africans.
In Arusha, 18 times champions Simba SC failed to capitalise on a man-advantage against a resilient TRA United, while Azam FC’s clinical edge deserted them in a gritty encounter with Mbeya City at the Tanzanite Kwara Stadium.
For Simba, the 0-0 draw at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium marks their second consecutive away stalemate leaving the Msimbazi giants in second place with 36 points from 17 matches—trailing “Yanga” by eight points.
While Simba hold a game in hand, the widening gap puts immense pressure on their upcoming fixtures.
TRA United, transformed from the side that collapsed in a 3-0 defeat to Simba just two weeks ago, were the aggressors for much of the first half where they enjoyed better possession and appeared more composed.
The hosts believed they had taken the lead in the 28th minute when Valentin Nouma struck a low free-kick into the net.
However, the goal was disallowed for offside after Nassry Kombo was adjudged to have obstructed Simba goalkeeper Mahamadou Kassali’s line of sight while in an offside position.
TRA United responded with a swift counter-attack as Ng’anzi advanced down the left flank and picked out Salum, but Simba’s defence reacted in time to clear the danger.
Late drama unfolded when Nouma was shown a second yellow card following a series of fouls, reducing TRA United to ten men.
TRA United have shown mixed form in recent matches, having secured a 2-0 victory over Singida Black Stars on Sunday, suffered a 3-0 defeat to Simba SC on March 22, played out a goalless draw against Young Africans on March 18, and recorded a 2-0 win over Namungo FC on March 11.
In Manyara, Azam FC’s pursuit of the summit was stagnated by Mbeya City. The 0-0 result was Azam’s 10th draw of the campaign—a statistic that continues to haunt their title credentials.
Now sitting third with 34 points, Azam find themselves losing touch with the leading pack as the season enters its business end.
