Shikangwa Stars as Simba Queens Beat Yanga Princess 2–0

Harambee Starlets forward Jentrix Shikangwa was on target as Simba Queens claimed bragging rights over rivals Yanga Princess with a 2–0 win in a heated Tanzanian Women’s Premier League derby played yesterday evening at the Azam Complex in Chamazi.

The highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby started at a high tempo, with Simba Queens showing early intent. In just the second minute, Harambee Starlets midfielder Fasila Adhiambo, a recent addition to Simba Queens, whipped in a dangerous low free kick into the area. Aisha Mnunka stretched to connect but missed by inches, forcing Yanga defenders into a hurried clearance.

Yanga Princess, coached by Ednah Lema, responded in the 10th minute when striker Jeannine Mukandayisenga was released through on goal. However, her effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by Simba Queens goalkeeper Ruth Aturo, formerly of Vihiga Queens.

Simba Queens continued to probe and came close in the 21st minute when Shikangwa latched onto a clever lobbed pass. With the goalkeeper beaten, her attempt drifted narrowly wide, denying the visitors an early breakthrough.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 35th minute through a moment of quality involving three Kenyan internationals. Fasila Adhiambo split the Yanga defense with an incisive pass to Elizabeth Wambui, who delivered a precise cross into the box. Shikangwa timed her run perfectly and finished confidently to give Simba Queens a deserved lead.

Yanga Princess thought they had found an equalizer deep into first half stoppage time. Mukandayisenga was again put through and slotted home from close range, but celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee flagged for offside.

The teams went into the break with Simba Queens holding a 1–0 advantage.

The second half was equally entertaining, with Yanga Princess pushing hard for an equalizer. In the 50th minute, Mukandayisenga beat her marker on the left wing and unleashed a beautifully curved shot that struck the right post, with the rebound drifting wide. Moments later, Simba countered swiftly as Aisha Mnunka released Wambui down the right, but her ball across the face of goal found no one to tap it in.

Yanga continued to threaten, and in the 53rd minute Mukandayisenga teed up Lydia Akoth just outside the box. The Harambee Starlets midfielder struck a powerful shot that seemed destined for the net, but Ruth Aturo produced a superb save to punch the ball over the bar.

Simba Queens, coached by Mussa Hassan Mgosi, eventually doubled their lead in the 69th minute. Captain Vivian Corazone Aquino sprayed a brilliant diagonal pass over the defense to Elizabeth Wambui. Her shot from the right was parried back into play by the goalkeeper, and Aisha Mnunka reacted quickest to slot home from close range, sealing the result.

Yanga Princess were denied a late consolation in stoppage time when substitute Wincate Kaari struck a fierce left footed effort that crashed against the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.

The match ended with Simba Queens securing a 2–0 victory, extending their perfect start to the season. With five wins from five matches, Simba Queens sit top of the table on 15 points. Defending champions JKT Queens follow closely in second place with 13 points, while Yanga Princess drop to third on 12 points after their first defeat of the campaign.