Morrison, Bocco goals help Simba SC defend Community Shield against Namungo FC

Simba managed to defend the Community Shield Cup after beating Namungo FC 2-0 at Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha on Sunday.

Goals from John Bocco and Bernard Morrison were enough for the league champions to record another win against Namungo, having beaten them 2-1 to lift the FA Cup on August 2.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi went ahead in the eighth minute after captain Bocco scored the opener from the spot.

The FA Cup winners won a penalty after their new boy Morrison was brought down at the edge of the left-wing when he was tripped by Steven Duah.

Bocco took the penalty and with tangible composure, planted the ball into the bottom right corner after decisively beating Namungo's goalkeeper Nurdini Balola.

Simba got the second goal at the hour mark when Morrison managed to drive the ball into the top corner after receiving a neat pass from Clatous Chama. It was the second goal for the former Orlando Pirates and Yanga SC man after scoring against Vital’ O seven days ago.

Joash Onyango was given another start but was paired with Kennedy Juma at the back as Ibrahim Ame – who was recently signed and started with the Kenyan in their match against Vital’ O – enjoyed a place on the bench.

Ghanaian Morrison was another new player who was given a straight starting position as David Kameta and Larry Bwalya were not.

Simba were missing the services of Luis Miquissone, Brazilian Gerson Fraga, Chrispine Mugalu and Serge Wawa who have not joined the team for various reasons.

In the absence of Fraga, coach Sven Vandenbroeck had to play Muzamiru Yassin in the deep of midfield.

On the other hand, Shiza Kichuya – signed from Simba – and former Kariobangi Sharks and Nakumatt defender Peter Amani Kyata were Namungo’s new players who started from the bench.

Simba will now be boosted by the win in Arusha as they hope to start their league title defence on September 6 on a strong footing.

For coach Thierry Hitimana, he has a lot to ponder about especially on the fact that they will participate in the Caf Confederation Cup for the first time.

Simba SC starting XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Joash Onyango, Kennedy Juma, Jonas Mkude, Hassan Dilunga, Muzamiru Yassin, John Bocco, Clatous Chama, Bernard Morrison.

Subs : Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Ibrahim Ame, Said Ndemla, Larry Bwalya, Meddie Kagere, Ibrahim Ajibu. 

Namungo FC starting XI : Nurdini Barola, Rogers GabrieL, Jafari Mohamed, Steven Duah, Hamis Fakh, Humudi Gaucho, Abeid Athuman, Lukas Kikoti, Stephen Asey, Steve Nzigamasabo, Sixtus Sabilo.

Subs : Lucas Chembeja, Shiza Kichuya, Aman Kyata, Hashim Manyanya, Hamis Halifa, Haruna Shamte, Bigrimana Blaize.