Simba SC moved to the top of the Tanzania Premier League table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mbeya City FC at Sokoine Stadium.
Simba secured three points through a 43rd-minute goal from Elie Mpanzu, who finished calmly after receiving a precise through ball from Clatous Chama.
Mpanzu advanced into the box unmarked, rounded goalkeeper Hashimu Mussa and slotted the ball into the net. The visitors created further opportunities late in the match through Inno Loemba.
The victory lifted Simba to 64 points from 27 matches, one point ahead of defending champions Young Africans SC, who remain second with a game in hand and are scheduled to face Fountain Gate FC.
A win for Yanga would move them back to the summit on 66 points, while a draw would leave them level on points with Simba but ahead on goal difference.
Third-placed Azam FC remain mathematically in contention for the title with 58 points from 27 matches.
The defeat leaves Mbeya City in deep relegation trouble.
They remain 14th with 25 points from 27 matches, occupying the relegation play-off position. With only three games left, the margin for error is shrinking.
Namungo FC, in 11th place, and Mtibwa Sugar FC, in 12th, both have 27 points, only two points above Mbeya City. Mashujaa FC sit 13th, also within the relegation zone, battling to avoid it.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Prisons FC remain inside the relegation zone with 23 points but still have a game in hand.
