Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids attributed his team’s 1-0 loss to arch-rivals Young Africans on Saturday to their inexperience, as a late own goal sealed a bitter defeat in the Dar es Salaam Derby at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Simba started the match with great intensity, pressing high and creating early chances. One such opportunity came when Lionel Ateba found himself one-on-one with Young Africans goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, but he was unable to convert, firing straight into Diarra’s hands.
Despite their dominance in the first half, Simba failed to capitalize on their chances.
As the match wore on, Young Africans began to take control, and a few minutes from stoppage time, Simba’s defensive misfortune led to an own goal by Kelvin Kijili, gifting their rivals a narrow victory.
Speaking after the match, a visibly disappointed Davids praised his team’s progress but pointed to their lack of experience as the crucial difference between Simba and a more seasoned Young Africans side that has been together for three years.
“When we started the game, we had Ateba one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and even the rebound was saved. We were really on top, creating good moments,” Davids said as quoted by the Guardian.
“There was another situation where Kibu was through, and on a slippery surface, there was contact in the box. I need to see the replays, but these were key moments. We were constantly getting their defenders booked, but we couldn’t take advantage.”
