Kagera hold Simba

Simba striker Felix Sunzu (R) controls the ball as Kagera sugar defender attempts to disposes him during their Mainland league match played at the National Stadium in Dar es salaam yesterday. The teams drew 2-2. (Photo: Omar fungo)

Visiting Kagera Sugar maintained defiance against Dar es Salaam football giants after pulling a stunning but well deserved 2-2 draw with Simba in the eight round match of the Mainland premiership played at the National Stadium in Dare s Salaam yesterday.

Simba squandered a two-goal cushion lead within a minute in the second half when they conceded two goals courtesy of substitute Themi Felix and Salum Kanoni, a former Simba player.

 The Mainland holders kicked of the game promisingly as they went on to dictate terms with an eight minute goal by their Zambian striker Felix Sunzu to comfort their fans.
Sunzu who headed home Mrisho Ngasa’s aerial cross.

Enjoying a one goal lead up to the half time mark, Simba took the second half promisingly and within five minutes Mrisho Ngasa was on target when he utilised a through pas by Emmanuel Okwi.

 Most of the samba fans thought the day’s business was over and Simba players controlled the ball with high composure while looking for the third.

The visitor’s coach Abdallah Kibaden who played for Simba during his football career before coaching the team into CAF final in 1993 reversed the trend of the match in fifteen minutes after conceding the second goal.

 Kibaden introduced Themi Felix after 60 minutes. Felix was the striker who stamped his authority when Yanga played Kagera Sugar at the Kaitaba Stadium in Bukoba a fortnight ago to lose by a goal.

Felix scored a goal after 65 minutes when he capitalised a floppy clearance by Simba defenders. No sooner had the dust settled Simba conceded a penalty that was well converted into an equaliser by former Simba player Salum Kanoni.

 Kagera played an enterprising football and tormented Simba defence almost at will with Paul Ngwai combining well with Felix.

 Simba midfielder collapsed as Kagera Sugar took a huge possession and control to give Simba defenders a hectic moment.

  Kagera coach Kibaden had cautioned Simba earlier that his team would not be pushovers in the league particularly against Simba and Young Africans.

He lived to his word as Simba dropped their sixth point after drawing thrice since the league kicked off mid last month. Simba are still leading the premiership with 18 points.