Chipolopolo midfielder Clatous Chota Chama continued his outstanding form in Tanzania with a brilliant brace as Simba SC defeated Mashujaa FC 3-0 in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League on Thursday.
The Zambian playmaker inspired Simba to an important away victory at Lake Tanganyika Stadium, with Seleman Mwalimu adding a late third goal to complete a dominant performance.
The result moved Simba to within two points of league leaders and defending champions Young Africans SC (Yanga), intensifying the title race with both sides having played 23 matches. Yanga sit top with 54 points while Simba trail closely on 52.
Simba made a fast start and needed only six minutes to open the scoring through Chama, who caught the home side off guard with a sensational direct corner kick that flew past the Mashujaa goalkeeper.
Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Simba controlled possession for long spells and repeatedly threatened the hosts with their attacking movement and pace. Mashujaa, however, managed to keep the deficit at one goal heading into the halftime break despite sustained pressure from the visitors.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Simba dictating proceedings and eventually doubling their advantage in the 70th minute. Congolese midfielder Elie Mpanzu threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Chama’s path before the Zambian calmly slotted home to complete his brace.
The goal took Chama’s tally to eight league goals this season, further underlining his importance to Simba’s title challenge.
Mwalimu then wrapped up the victory in stoppage time with Simba’s third goal to cap an emphatic evening for the Dar es Salaam giants.
Chama’s latest goals have also strengthened his push for the league’s Golden Boot award. Azam FC forward Feisal Salum currently leads the scoring charts with 10 goals, while fellow Zimbabwean striker Prince Dube sits second with nine.
Popularly known as “Triple C” and “Mwamba wa Lusaka,” Chama has now registered eight goals and four assists this season — directly contributing to 12 league goals for Simba.
The 34-year-old has either scored or assisted in each of Simba’s last six matches, highlighting a remarkable run of form at a crucial stage of the campaign.
