In the photo, Simba’s skilled goalkeeper Athumani Mambosasa is seen leaping high with great finesse to catch a long-range shot in front of Yanga striker Kitwana Manara ‘Popat’, while his defender Shabani Baraza stands ready to offer close support.
This took place on August 10, 1974, during the very first competitive derby between Yanga and Simba held outside Dar es Salaam, following their first friendly match in Dodoma back in 1959. The 1974 National Club Championship tournament was played in knockout format between July 18 and August 10 of that year.
In preparation, Simba, under coach Paul West Gwivaha, had returned from Poland, while Yanga, led by Zaire’s coach Tambwe Leya, came from Brazil and Romania after a planned trip to Germany fell through.
At the time, Simba were in blazing form, having eliminated Ghana’s Hearts of Oak in the African Club Champions tournament and awaiting a clash with Egypt’s Mehalla el Kubra, who would later knock them out in the finals.
In the Nyamagana match, referee Manyoto Ndimbo officiated the dusty and emotionally charged encounter. Simba took the lead in the 16th minute through striker Adamu Sabu, who replaced the injured Saad Ally.
By halftime, Simba were ahead, but Yanga equalized in the 87th minute through Gibson Sembuli. The match ended in a draw after 90 minutes, prompting an additional 30 minutes of extra time. In the 97th minute, Sunday Manara received a chest pass from his brother Kitwana Manara and scored the winning goal for Yanga.
It was sweet revenge for Yanga after being knocked out by Simba in the 1973 semi-finals, losing the title they had held for five consecutive years.
The match was riddled with injuries; Saad Ally fainted after colliding with Sembuli, and Willy Mwaijibe was injured in a clash with goalkeeper Elias Michael. Both were taken to Bugando Hospital for treatment, with their positions filled by Kessy Manangu and Muhidini Fadhili, respectively.
#yanga #youngafricans #simba #simbasportsclub #makinikia #muhidiniIssaMichuzi #IssaMichuzi #Michezo #mpira
--- Muhidin Issa Michuzi
