Mngqithi and Barker start Tanzanian title bids with wins as Mbule shines on Iraq debut

Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Barker both began their Tanzanian league title campaigns with victories, while Sipho Mbule was named Man of the Match after making a winning debut for Zakho SC in Iraq.

Mngqithi, who had just led Young Africans to victory in the Tanzanian Community Shield, saw the defending champions beat Namungo 3-1 in their opening league fixture.

Barker also made a winning start as Simba claimed a 2-0 victory over Kagera Sugar. Simba are aiming to win the Tanzanian league title for the first time since the 2020/21 season.

Mbule made an immediate impression in Iraq, receiving the Man of the Match award as Zakho SC edged past Ghaz Al-Shamal SC 1-0.

In Belgium, Relebohile Mofokeng played 22 minutes for Royale Union SG during their goalless draw with Waregem. Shandre Campbell completed the entire match for Kortrijk, who were beaten 3-0 by Antwerp.

Olwethu Makhanya completed his third successive full match for Rangers in Scotland as he continued to establish himself as a regular in the side. Rangers defeated St Mirren 5-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.

In Germany, Ime Okon featured for 28 minutes for Hannover 96, who lost narrowly to Wolfsburg by a 1-0 scoreline in the Bundesliga 2.

Gift Links played all 90 minutes for Aarhus in Denmark, but his side were beaten 2-1 by Viborg in the fourth match of the league season.

In Austria, Yusuf Maart completed the full game for Ried as they suffered a 4-1 defeat by LASK. Fellow South African Jaedin Rhodes was not included in the squad.

Sphephelo Sithole came on for the final 14 minutes of Tondela’s 1-0 defeat by Leixoes in Portugal.

In Major League Soccer, Puso Dithejane played 30 minutes for Chicago Fire in their 2-1 victory over Portland Timbers.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane featured for 45 minutes for Minnesota United, who drew 1-1 with Real Salt Lake.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy made his first appearance in Sabah FK’s starting XI as the club opened their Azerbaijan Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win against Kapez.

The iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is available free of charge. Readers can download it using the button provided or complete the form to have it delivered each week.