Ndanda FC 0-0 Simba SC: Manula heroics deny relegation-threatened hosts

Simba SC have been held to a 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Ndanda FC in a Tanzania Mainland League match played on Sunday.

The hosts came into the match desperate for maximum points to get out of the danger zone and increase their chances of playing in the top-tier beyond this season.  

Prior to Sunday's game, the Mtwara-based side was placed 17th on the 20-team table and needed a win to surge upwards on the table. They were also keen on avenging the 2-0 loss suffered away when the two teams last met. 

For Wekundu wa Msimbazi, it was a game to test some of their players whether they can be retained for next season or not. It also gave coach Sven Vandenbroeck the pleasure of trying different systems ahead of their FA Cup semi-final match against their sworn rivals Yanga SC.

It explains why the likes of Meddie Kagere and Francis Kahata were benched with the likes Clatous Chama and Luis Miquissone starting.

The first half was characterized with frequent attacks by the hosts who were keen to get a goal to destabilize the 21-time league champions.

However, it was not going to be easy for a team that has lost six out of the last seven meetings, conceding 12 goals in the process and scoring just once.

After a goalless first half, goalkeeper Aishi Manula pulled a double save in the 55th minute to deny the hosts. A good cross from the right found Omar Mpond who superbly headed the ball on target. The custodian was equal to the task ensuring the ball does not find the back of the net.

The rebound fell kindly to the unmarked Abdul Hamis, but his effort was once again stopped and the ball went out for an unfruitful corner.

It turned out to be the only meaningful attempt from Ndanda in the second half as Simba ensured they do not concede. 

The goalless outcome is the second stalemate in as many games for the Jangwani-based side. The initial one came against Tanzania Prisons.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi remain on top of the table with 80 points, 19 more than Wananchi who drew 0-0 with Shinyanga-based Biashara Mara United.

Ndanda remain in the relegation zone with 36 points, two points below the safety zone.