Tanzania: Wasteful Simba Held By Vital’o

Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)

Japheth Kazenga

25 June 2011

SIMBA failed to command an impressive start in the Kagame Castle Cup after they were held to a barren draw by Burundi’s Vital’O in one of the opening matches played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

Despite dominating either half of the match, Simba were vividly lacking the scoring touch as the team’s striking force wasted plenty of chances that went its way.

Vital’O goalkeeper, Jeff Nzokira and the rest of the team’s defence, were the busier men throughout the game as they were forced to cancel out a series of dangerous attacks launched by Simba, particularly in the second half.

The first half saw both teams venture into each other’s penalty area during the early exchanges and the visitors almost found the back of the net after Simba defence lacked co-ordination at some point.

A poor back pass from Simba’s newly recruited right back, Said Nassor, was intercepted by one of Vital’O strikers, who fed his team mate inside the penalty area but Simba’s centre back, Derrick Walulya, reacted swiftly to clear the danger.

Simba then took command of the game thereafter and twice went close only to see left back, Amir Maftah and striker, Musa Hassan ‘Mgosi,’ missing from close range.

Maftah could have found the back of the net when he was set up by hard working winger, Ulimboka Mwakingwe, just a few feet from Vital’O goal but he shot wide with only Nzokira to beat.

Mgosi was then at the end of a well calculated move by midfielders but the striker’s fierce shot went a few inches wide.

Simba, again, had an upper hand in the second half but disappointingly failed to make the most of the chances, leaving their fans frustrated.

Vital’O defence comprising Jaffar Jumapili, Ndayishimiye, Gilbert Kaze, Damour Nkrurunzinza and Cadeau Nkundwanabake, was forced into resolute defending midway into the second half as Simba continued to pile attacks.

Simba’s midfielder, Haruna Moshi, turned into the most dangerous man upfront at the time as he created a couple of good chances only to see the strikers fail to exploit them.

Simba’s head coach, Moses Basena, was equally a disappointed man after the final whistle as his side could have bagged a win, had players not been wasteful in front of Vital’O goal.

“I am disappointed that we dominated the match but failed to score. Awareness in front of goal is an area we need to concentrate on,” he said, adding that missing chances nevertheless gave him hope that his side could score next time.

Basena’s opposite number, Mousa Ally, was somewhat satisfied by the draw, saying his side did its best to contain Simba throughout.

“The game was really nice I am happy we managed the draw and I hope we will improve as time goes on,” he said.

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