Tanzanian Women’s Football Derby: Yanga Princess Stuns Simba Queens with 1-0 Victory

The Battle of Dar es Salaam: How Yanga Princess Outplayed Simba Queens

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In a gripping encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Yanga Princess edged out their arch-rivals Simba Queens with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. This highly anticipated women’s football derby lived up to its billing as one of Tanzania’s most fiercely contested rivalries, delivering drama, passion, and moments of sheer brilliance under clear skies on Saturday afternoon.

While Simba Queens entered the match as favourites—backed by an impressive run of form this season—it was Yanga Princess who stole the spotlight with a disciplined and clinical display that highlighted their tactical nous and tenacity. The result not only shifted the balance in the league standings but also underscored the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Tanzania.

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A Tactical Tussle

From the opening whistle, Simba Queens took control of possession, dictating the tempo through their industrious midfield trio. Their strategy was evident: dominate the ball, probe for openings, and wear down Yanga Princess’ defence. However, Captain Fatuma Mcharo marshalled her backline with authority, intercepting passes and organising her team superbly to thwart every attacking move launched by the red-clad side.

Despite being pegged back for much of the first half, Yanga Princess refused to retreat into their shell entirely. On the counterattack, they posed a constant threat, utilising the electric pace of winger Neema Mgaya to stretch Simba Queens’ defensive line. It was during one such lightning-fast break in the 37th minute that the decisive moment of the match unfolded. Midfielder Sophia Juma delivered a pinpoint through ball that split the Simba Queens defence, releasing striker Zawadi Masawe into space. With composure belying her years, Masawe calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Grace Mwakatima, sending the Yanga supporters into raptures.

The goal came against the run of play but showcased the importance of precision and opportunism—a hallmark of Yanga Princess’ approach throughout the match.

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Second Half Drama

The second half saw Simba Queens ramp up the pressure as they sought an equaliser. Coach Hamisi Mhina introduced fresh legs off the bench, including forward Stella Mcharo and winger Rehema Rashid, in an attempt to inject energy and creativity into his attack. Waves of red shirts surged forward, bombarding Yanga Princess’ penalty area with crosses, shots, and intricate passing moves.

Yet, Yanga Princess’ defence held firm, repelling everything thrown at them with remarkable resilience. Goalkeeper Neema Kajanja emerged as the hero between the posts, producing two crucial saves late in the game. Her acrobatic stop in the 85th minute—a diving reflex save to deny Salma Khamis’ thunderous long-range effort—was particularly noteworthy, drawing deafening cheers from the passionate Yanga faithful gathered in the stands.

As the final whistle blew, emotions spilled over among the players and fans alike. For Yanga Princess, it was a moment of jubilation; for Simba Queens, bitter disappointment. Nevertheless, the narrow margin of victory reflected just how closely matched these two sides were on the day.

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Post-Match Reactions

After the match, Yanga Princess coach Ally Kimario lauded his team’s performance, praising their discipline and defensive solidity. “We knew coming into this game that it would be tough,” he remarked. “But the girls executed our game plan perfectly. Our focus now shifts to maintaining this level of performance in the remaining fixtures.”

Meanwhile, Simba Queens coach Hamisi Mhina acknowledged his team’s shortcomings while expressing optimism for the future. “We created chances, but we failed to convert them, and that ultimately cost us the game,” he admitted. “That said, I believe in this group of players. We’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger.”

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A Growing Rivalry

This latest instalment in the storied rivalry between Simba Queens and Yanga Princess adds another layer of intrigue to the burgeoning popularity of women’s football in Tanzania. Both clubs have invested heavily in developing their female teams, recognising the potential to inspire young girls across the nation and elevate the sport to new heights.

Matches like these serve as a testament to the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football in East Africa. For Yanga Princess, this victory serves as both a morale booster and a statement of intent as they aim to challenge for silverware this season. Conversely, Simba Queens will view this defeat as a wake-up call, using it as motivation to regroup and reclaim their dominance in upcoming fixtures.

With emotions running high and bragging rights secured, Yanga Princess can savour this hard-fought triumph. Meanwhile, Simba Queens will undoubtedly be plotting their revenge in what promises to be another enthralling chapter in this captivating derby.

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Final Score: Simba Queens 0 – 1 Yanga Princess

Tanzania Media