Simba Eyes FA Cup Glory, Faces TMA Stars in Round 32

Simba Set to Face TMA Stars in FA Cup Round of 32 Clash

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Simba SC is set to return to action this evening as they take on TMA Stars from Arusha in the Round of 32 of the Federation Cup (FA Cup). This encounter follows Simba's dominant 6-1 victory over Kilimanjaro Wonders in the previous round at KMC Complex.

The fixture comes after the postponement of the highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby against Yanga SC in the Tanzanian Premier League last weekend. Simba, currently second in the league standings, will host TMA Stars, a Championship League side, at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

This match is one of three FA Cup fixtures scheduled for today, with Kiluvya United facing Pamba Jiji and Kagera Sugar hosting Namungo. All games will kick off in the evening, with the winners advancing to the Round of 16, which begins on Thursday. The first match in this stage will see Mbeya City, who eliminated Azam FC, take on Mtibwa Sugar.

TMA Stars Face a Tough Test Against Simba

TMA Stars, coached by Mohamed Ismail ‘Laizer,’ currently occupy fifth place in the Championship League standings. They are set to challenge a formidable Simba side that boasts lethal attacking options in Leonel Ateba, Jean Ahoua, and Steven Mukwala.

While Simba is the clear favorite, Laizer remains optimistic despite acknowledging defensive challenges his team has faced. TMA Stars have conceded 20 goals in 22 league matches this season, compared to Simba’s impressive tally of 46 goals scored and only eight conceded in the Premier League. This stark contrast highlights the uphill battle TMA faces.

However, TMA Stars have also shown attacking potential, as evidenced by their emphatic 5-1 victory over Leopards in the previous round. They will be eager to stage an upset and make history in the competition.

Simba’s primary objective is to secure victory and progress to the Round of 16, with their ultimate goal being to reclaim the FA Cup title last won by Yanga SC in the 2020/21 season.

The winner of this tie will face BigMan FC, who secured their place in the next round by defeating TZ Prisons 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

TMA Stars will rely on key players such as Bastian Joseph, Abdul Aziz Shahame, and Sixtus Sabilo, an experienced player who has previously played for JKT Tanzania, Namungo, and Mbeya City.

Coach Laizer confirmed that his squad of 28 players, who traveled from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, are in good condition and ready for the match. “We have traveled well, and all our players are fit and ready for the challenge. We respect Simba, but we are prepared to play our best,” Laizer stated.

Kiluvya United vs. Pamba Jiji

At Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro, Kiluvya United will host Pamba Jiji in another Round of 32 encounter.

Pamba Jiji, who edged past Moro Kids with a narrow 1-0 win in the previous round, had a scare during their journey to this fixture when their team bus was involved in an accident. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, allowing the match to proceed as scheduled.

Kiluvya United, who crushed African Lyon 4-0 in their last match, will be looking to maintain their attacking form. Pamba Jiji, currently struggling in 13th place in the Premier League with 22 points from 23 matches, will see this game as an opportunity to boost their confidence and stay in contention for continental qualification through the FA Cup.

Kiluvya United, meanwhile, are 12th in the Championship League with 19 points from 22 matches and will aim to capitalize on home advantage.

Kagera Sugar vs. Namungo

The final match of the day will take place at Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera, where Kagera Sugar hosts Namungo.

Both teams are Premier League sides and have already faced each other this season, with their previous meeting at Kaitaba Stadium ending in a 1-1 draw.

Their last FA Cup encounter was in the Round of 16 on April 2, 2024, when Namungo edged out Kagera Sugar 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. This time, Kagera Sugar will be eager to take revenge on home soil.

Historically, Namungo holds a superior record, having won six of their 12 meetings, while Kagera Sugar has won twice, with four matches ending in draws.

In the previous round, Namungo secured a 2-1 win over Tanesco, while Kagera Sugar edged past Rhino Rangers with a 1-0 victory.

According to tournament rules, if any of these matches end in a draw after 90 minutes, the winner will be determined via a penalty shootout.

As the FA Cup continues, teams that have already booked their spots in the Round of 16 include Singida Black Stars, KMC, Mbeya City, Mtibwa Sugar, JKT Tanzania, Mbeya Kwanza, Tabora United, Mashujaa, Giraffe Academy, Songea FC, and BigMan FC.

Defending champions Yanga SC will take on Coastal Union tomorrow in another Round of 32 fixture at KMC Complex.