Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC closed the gap on log leaders Young Africans with a commanding 5-1 victory over Pamba SC in the Tanzanian Premier League on Thursday as they look to take the title race to the wire.

Ivorian attacking midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua scored a hat-trick before Cameroon international Leonel Ateba grabbed a quick-fire brace in the last 10 minutes of the match to complete the rout over the 13th-placed side.

The Reds of Msimbazi took their points tally to 66 after 25 matches played with a game in hand over fierce rivals Yanga, who have accumulated 70 points at the summit of the table in 26 league outings as they aim to win the championship for the fourth consecutive time.

Davids’ side is currently enjoying a 19-game unbeaten run in the Tanzanian topflight, comprising 17 wins and two draws, with their last defeat dating back to October 2024 in the high-stakes Kariakoo derby against Yanga.

Interestingly, the two giants are yet to meet for the second round as Simba boycotted the derby in March, citing a rule violation from their nemesis Yanga, leading to the abandonment of the highly anticipated clash.

However, a new date has since been released, with the title rivals set to lock horns on 15 June according to the fixtures from the Tanzanian Football Federation. The encounter could potentially be a title decider, which adds an interesting layer to the heated rivalry.

Meanwhile, South African forward Cassius Mailula found the back of the net as Wydad Athletic Club secured a 2-0 victory over Salmi, with former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil netting the other goal. At the same time, Wydad March player of the month Thembinkosi Lorch started the encounter.

The Masandawana academy graduate, who joined the 22-time Moroccan champions on a season-long loan from MLS outfit Toronto FC, has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

With two consecutive wins since Rulani Mokwena was relieved of his duties, the Moroccan giants are three points behind second-placed FAR Rabat in the race for a CAF Champions League Spot with one match remaining.

Wydad picked up 51 points and will be keen to consolidate their chances of a CAF Confederations Cup spot when they face fifth-placed Renaissance Club Zemamra, with a return to Africa’s premium club competition looking unlikely. Rabat, with a five-goal superior goal difference over the Red Castle, will tackle 13th-placed Hassania Agadir in their penultimate outing.