Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC and their fierce rivals Young Africans claimed important victories in their respective Tanzanian Premier League matches on Wednesday, with the title race poised to go down to the wire.

The South African mentor guided his team to a 5-0 thumping of already-relegated KenGold, who are at the base of the log standings. Reported Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates target Denis Kibu and Leonel Ateba each scored a brace, while Elie Mpanzu also got on the scoresheet.

On the other hand, Yanga secured a 5-0 win at the expense of Tanzania Prisons as goals from Mudathiri Yahya, Israel Mwenda, Clatous Chama, and a Pacome Zouzoua double were enough to ensure the title holders return to Dar es Salaam with maximum points.

With two games remaining before the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign in Tanzania, second-placed Simba trail Young Africans with one point, having accumulated 75 points from 28 league outings as the log leaders took their points tally to 76 from as many games.

The two teams will swing back into action on Sunday, with the Reds of Msimbazi set to tackle another relegated side, Kagera Sugar, at home, while Timu Ya wananchi will face eighth-placed Dodoma Jiji FC on home soil as well.

Interestingly, the two Tanzanian giants will lock horns in the final match of the season in what could potentially be a title decider in the highly anticipated Kariakoo derby set to take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday, 25 June.

The initial fixture was abandoned back in March due to Davids’ side citing a rule violation from their nemesis, stating that they were denied access to conduct their final training session at the stadium – a right they are entitled to.

As a result, valiant efforts were made by the Tanzanian board to restore peace between the bitter rivals, with the board rescheduling the match to 15 June. However, Yanga declined to play, demanding the resignation of some board executives; hence, the derby is now a season finale.

Davids will be keen to topple Yanga and deliver a first championship to Simba as the club’s last league glory dates back to the 2020/21 season. Meanwhile, Miloud Hamdi, who was appointed in January, will be determined to guide Yanga to a fourth consecutive title.

It remains to be seen whether the former Orlando Pirates co-coach can steer his team to supremacy in the Tanzanian top flight. Simba lost the first derby to Yanga in October, falling to Maxi Nzengeli’s goal in the 89th minute.