Young Africans and Simba SC maintain perfect starts in NBC Premier League

Young Africans SC and Simba SC both preserved their 100% records in the NBC Premier League with victories in their Tuesday fixtures, keeping the defending champions and their closest rivals at the top of the early-season table.

Young Africans remain leaders on goal difference after a 2-0 win away to Fountain Gate, while Simba SC responded with a comfortable victory over Geita Gold later in the day to stay within touching distance.

The results reinforce the impression that the NBC Premier League could again develop into a two-horse contest between the two leading Tanzanian clubs. Both sides had won their opening four league matches before this round of fixtures, with Young Africans holding first place because of their superior goal difference.

Mngqithi’s Young Africans faced a difficult away assignment against Fountain Gate in hot conditions, but they produced another controlled performance. Peter Shalulile, the experienced goalscorer, broke the deadlock in the 26th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Young Africans then secured the points when Mudathir Yahya struck in the 76th minute. The win kept them at the summit and maintained their flawless start to the campaign.

Simba knew there was no room for error after Young Africans had already completed their fixture. Steve Barker’s team began their match with authority and took the lead after 21 minutes through 35-year-old Clatous Chama.

The home side continued to control the contest after the interval and extended their advantage 15 minutes into the second half. Libasse Gueye scored Simba’s second goal to make it 2-0 and ensure Barker’s side also collected another three points.

Despite Simba’s victory, Young Africans remain top of the NBC Premier League because of the difference between the teams’ goals scored and conceded. Young Africans have a goal difference of +13, compared with Simba’s +7.

That margin means the two clubs are level in maintaining their perfect records, but Young Africans retain the advantage at the top of the standings.

The domestic competition will now be followed by continental action for both clubs. Simba SC will begin their CAF Champions League campaign this weekend when they face Mighty Wanderers of Malawi.

Young Africans SC will also be involved in CAF Champions League action and will travel to Botswana to play Gaborone United.

Their unbeaten starts have therefore continued through a demanding stage of the season, with both clubs combining domestic success with preparations for their respective continental campaigns.