SIMBA SC conceded more ground in the NBC Premier League as they suffered a demoralizing 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Young Africans SC in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

It capped a highly frustrating week for the Msimbazi side after a draw at Ihefu SC last weekend and a humbling CRDB Federation Cup loss to lowly Mashujaa FC three days earlier.

Against Young Africans SC, Simba SC created several chances, only to be thwarted by poor finishing once again.

The Msimbazi Street outfit’s assistant coach Selemani Matola felt his side failed to capitalize on a strong start due to a chronic issue of finishing and also admitted injury to center back Henock Inonga so early in the game cost them dearly.

The coach revealed: “We can say the game was good. It was tough. In the first half, within ten minutes we were able to create two chances and if we were careful we could have used them. I think our problem of failing to convert chances persists.

He added: “The technical substitute was caused by an injury, I think it cost us. The incoming player, Hussein Kazi made a mistake within the first minute he entered and gave away a penalty. We made a mistake again and were punished for the second goal.”

Matola remarked: “Inonga had an injury which, however, could not prevent him from playing. Pain is always normal for a player. Even the injury that took him out is different from what he had. There was no way, it was a necessary change that I can say cost us.”

“In the second half, we made changes to some players and we came back strong and managed to score one goal. At the end of the game we lost, that's football. We are preparing for the next game.”

The result means Simba SC remains winless in their last five games. They have dropped five points in the league and find themselves trailing leaders Young Africans SC by 12 points– and face a real fight to finish in the CAF Champions League spots.

The former Simba SC midfielder pointed out: “The title race is now difficult for us, we have to focus on our next remaining games to be able to win. At the end of the league, we will know where we stand.”

Another eight league games remain for Simba SC to respond, but wins in all of those might no longer be enough to pip Azam FC to second place finish.

It also means Simba SC is now almost certain to endure another trophyless season save for the Community Shield the squad clinched early this season.