Ruvu Shooting 0-3 Simba SC: Bocco, Mugalu hand Premier League champions win in Mara
The hosts were reduced to nine men in the second half after two of their stars were sent off while they were already trailing
Simba SC consolidated their position at the top of the Mainland Premier League table after a 3-0 win over Ruvu Shooting at CCM Kirumba Stadium on Thursday.
John Bocco scored twice while Chris Mugalu found the back of the net once to ensure the visitors emerged winners against Boniface Mkwasa’s side. Wekundu wa Msimbazi have now won five consecutive league games as they look to defend their title.
Bocco scored the opener in the 17th minute after the hosts failed to arrest a clinical move made by the Dar es Salaam side, who started the match by honouring Clatous Chama, who lost his wife in Zambia. Ruvu Shooting goalkeeper Abdallah Rashid did well to stop a fierce shot launched by Luis Miquissone in the 18th minute as they retreated when the league champions surged forward.
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In the 29th minute, Ruvu Shooting created their most open chance through Charles Manyama but Aishi Manula was alert enough to deal with the strike. The striker again almost found the target with a header – which slightly flew above the bar – in the 35th minute when they won a corner. Simba regained dominance and were adventurous as the first half was about to end but were unlucky not to get the second goal before the half-time whistle blew.
Mugalu – who has been an outstanding star for the Msimbazi giants – added the second for Wekundu wa Msimbazi at the hour mark after the subsequent half had started slowly. In the 72nd minute, there was a collision between Juma Nyoso and Shomari Kapombe and the former was red-carded for the incident, handing Simba a numerical advantage.
In the 84th minute, Ruvu Shooting were dealt yet another blow when their goalkeeper Rashid was red-carded for a foul on Bernard Morrison inside the box and Bocco – the Simba captain – earned his brace as he successfully converted from the spot.
Ruvu Shooting XI: Abdallah Rashid, William Patrick, Edward Manyama, Cassian Ponera, Juma Nyoso, Zuberi Dabi, Moses Shaban, Fully Maganga, David Uromi, Abraham Mussa,
Subs: Bidii Hussein, Eradius Salvador, Santos Mazengo, James Msuva, Graham Naftar, Frank Ikobela, Emmanuel Martin.
Simba SC XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Kennedy Juma, Erasto Nyoni, Taddeo Lwanga, Hassan Dilunga, Larry Bwalya, John Bocco, Chris Mugalu, Luis Miqussine.
Subs: Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Said Ndemla, Mzamiru Yassin, Meddie Kagere, Miraji Athumani, Bernard Morrison.
