Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has admitted that his team’s hopes of winning the NBC Premier League title have started to fade after a 2-2 draw against Yanga at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.
Simba started the match strongly, scoring two early goals through Libasse Gueye and Clatous Chama. However, a drop in concentration and intensity allowed Yanga to fight back and level the score through Prince Dube and Bakari Nondo Mwamnyeto, resulting in a shared point.
Speaking after the match, Barker acknowledged that the result was not what they needed in the title race.
"We were not happy with the result because we knew we had to win to maintain pressure in the title race," he said.
He added that Simba began well but failed to maintain their intensity.
"We started the game well and scored two quick goals. We dropped our intensity after the second goal," he said.
Barker noted that Simba’s loss of control allowed Yanga back into the game.
"I think we should have maintained the pressure. When they scored their first goal, they gained confidence and we started playing with less intensity," he explained.
He further said the second half became more open, with both teams creating chances.
"In the second half, after the second goal, the game became more open. Both teams were dangerous on the counterattack," he said.
Despite the disappointment, Barker admitted the match was entertaining for fans but costly for Simba in terms of points dropped.
"For the fans it was entertaining with four goals, but for us it was not the result we wanted," he said.
He stressed that the title race is still ongoing and his team must win all remaining matches.
"There are still many games left. We must win every match to keep pressure on our rivals. The title race is not over yet," Barker added.
The result leaves Yanga top of the table with 48 points, five ahead of second-placed Simba on 43 points, after both teams have played 20 matches.
With 10 matches remaining, the title race remains open, although Yanga are now in a stronger position to defend their crown.
