Unbeatable Barker Pushes Simba Closer To Yanga

Steve Barker's side took a huge step towards the summit of the Tanzanian Premier League with a convincing 3-0 win over Mashujaa FC.

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Barker knew beforehand that a win would ensure Simba moved within two points of league leaders Young Africans (Yanga) after they suffered a surprise defeat to Dodoma Jiji.

The Reds of Msimbazi started the game well when in-form star Clatous Chama gave them the lead, and he netted his second to double his team's lead in the second half. Selemani Mwalimu came off the bench to round out the scoring in stoppage time.

According to Pan-Africa Football, Barker praised his team for a disciplined and controlled performance to keep the pressure on Yanga.

"It was a very, very important win for us. It allowed us to continue winning matches and applying pressure on the team above us," Barker explained.

"I thought it was an accomplished performance against a good team. It was not easy conditions because they are also a very direct side, but I felt we started the game well, controlled the match and were rewarded with a goal," the South African added.

The former Stellenbosch FC coach explained that his team needed to play until the final minute.

"The game was not over until we got the third goal. Up until then, there was always a chance they could get something and make it difficult for us,” he explained.

"But overall, I am very pleased. It was a good professional and quality performance from everybody," he concluded.

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The win took Simba to 52 points after 23 games, with Barker currently on an 18-game unbeaten run in the league, as they trail Yanga by two points with seven games left.