- Mohammed Bajaber scores on Simba debut in Tanzania as they beat Mbeya City 3-0.
- It was the first time the Kenyan international was playing in Tanzania since signing in August.
- The Harambee Stars man endured a difficult start to life at Simba due to injury setbacks.
Harambee Stars forward Mohammed Bajaber enjoyed a dream debut for Simba Sports Club, coming off the bench in the 84th minute and scoring with what was practically his first touch as Simba eased to a commanding 3–0 victory over Mbeya City in Dar es Salaam on Thursday afternoon.
The match carried extra weight for Simba, not just because of the result but because it marked their first outing since the exit of head coach Dimitar Pantev who was at the helm for less than two months.
Assistant coach Selemani Matola stepped in to take charge temporarily, and the response from the players showed a team eager to start afresh.
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From the opening whistle, Simba displayed urgency, sharpness and a renewed sense of togetherness, as though determined to prove that the technical changes would not disrupt their ambitions.
Simba took immediate control of possession, pressing high and moving the ball with pace. Mbeya City were pinned deep early on, and their situation worsened in the 23rd minute following the sending-off of Mayanga.
Reduced to ten men, Mbeya City struggled to contain the relentless waves of red shirts charging forward.
Just five minutes after the red card, Simba made the breakthrough. Morice Abraham opened the scoring in the 28th minute after a clever combination involving Ellie Mpanzu carved through the visitors’ backline.
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Ten minutes later, Jonathan Sowah doubled the advantage with a composed finish, putting Simba firmly in control as they continued to stretch Mbeya City across all areas of the pitch.
The first half was arguably one of Simba’s most fluid performances of the season. Their movement between lines was crisp, the front-line rotated intelligently, and the ball circulation was purposeful.
Matola’s influence was evident in the improved decision-making, especially in the build-ups from the back.
Mbeya City attempted to regroup after the break by compacting their midfield and limiting their risk, and although their shape slowed Simba’s penetration, the home side remained dominant. They kept the visitors camped in their own half for long spells, patiently waiting for the moment to seal the result.
Mohammed Bajaber scores on Simba debut in Tanzania
That moment arrived in the 85th minute and belonged to debutant Bajaber. Introduced late in the game, the Kenyan winger made an instant impact, guiding home the third goal after a well-timed pass from Ugandan Steven Desse Mukwala.
The strike was more than just the icing on the cake, it marked a personal milestone for Bajaber, who has endured a difficult start to life in the Tanzania Premier League due to injury setbacks.
His celebration showed pure relief and excitement, a sign that he is ready to become a key attacking option for Simba.
The win moves Simba to 12 points after four matches, positioning them fifth on the log but with several games in hand compared to the teams above them.
For Matola, this was a statement performance. Three goals, a clean sheet, improved chemistry across the pitch and a debut goal for a promising new arrival.
Simba now shift their focus to sustaining this momentum as they continue their chase for the summit with renewed belief and energy.