Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Azam FC delivered a commanding 2–0 victory over Simba SC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday, December 7, 2025, highlighting their tactical discipline and strategic approach. The win marks Simba’s first Premier League defeat of the season, deepening the concerns surrounding their current form.
In recent weeks, Simba faced setbacks in the CAF Champions League, losing 1-0 to Petro de Luanda and 2-1 to Stade Malien, incidents that led to the departure of their coach, Dimitar Pantev.
Against Azam, Simba struggled to find their rhythm as Azam’s well-organized structure and patience kept them at bay. Azam employed a strategy focused on stretching the field, exploiting the wide channels, and building numerical superiority on the flanks, which resulted in goals from Japhet Kitambala and Iddy Semelan ‘Nado’. Feisal Salum’s creative influence repeatedly created overloads, forcing Simba’s defense into uncomfortable situations.
Simba relied heavily on central play, with wingers cutting inside and linking with their No.10, attempting to overload Azam’s double pivot of Himid and Kanouté. While this generated some moments of danger early on, poor final decisions prevented those chances from materializing.
Defensively, Azam was exceptional. Their compact three-line formation limited Simba’s attacking options, especially in the second half, neutralizing their rhythm and forcing turnovers. As Simba’s intensity waned, Azam capitalized by increasing their tempo, utilizing quick play switches and aggressive wide movements.
Azam’s forwards, particularly Saadun, showcased pace, creativity, and penetrating runs, troubling Simba’s defense constantly. Keeper Foba commanded his area well, while Mpanzu’s physical presence and Himid’s interceptions contributed to a resilient defensive display.
The match’s decisive moments came through clinical finishing from Azam, sealing their victory with two well-executed goals. Their cohesive team performance and strategic execution earned them three valuable points.
For Simba, the loss serves as a wake-up call to restore intensity, tighten defensive organization, and make smarter decisions in attack. Coach Matola now faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence and restructuring the team before further pressure mounts.
Azam’s triumph exemplifies brains, bravery, and disciplined organization, leaving Simba with frustration and lessons to learn from,”,
