Simba Queens reclaimed the top spot in the Tanzania Women’s Premier League after a dramatic 4-3 win over JKT Queens in a thrilling match played at Meja Jenerali Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Monday.
Kenyan striker Jentrix Shikangwa was the star of the show, scoring a sensational hat trick to lead Simba to victory and take their tally to 40 points two ahead of second-placed JKT Queens.
JKT started strong, opening the scoring in the 11th minute through a penalty calmly converted by Anastasia Katunzi. But Simba quickly responded when Shikangwa equalized with a penalty of her own in the 17th minute.
“We knew it was going to be tough, but we came in with the belief that we could win,” said Shikangwa after the match. “I’m proud of my team and happy I could deliver when it mattered most.”
Shikangwa added her second in the 27th minute, giving Simba a 2-1 lead at halftime. However, JKT Queens were not ready to surrender easily.
Donisia Minja leveled the match at 2-2 in the 57th minute, and Jamila Rajabu put JKT ahead 3-2 in the 70th minute.
But Simba Queens showed resilience. Midfielder Vivian Corazon brought the game back to 3-3 just four minutes later with a stunning strike.Then, in the 77th minute, Shikangwa completed her hat trick to secure a hard-fought victory.
“This was a statement win,” said Simba Queens head coach Sebastian Leonard. “JKT are a very good side, and we had to dig deep. Jentrix was outstanding today she’s a leader on and off the pitch.”
The result has intensified the title race, with just a few matches remaining in the season. JKT Queens, now in second place with 38 points, will need to bounce back quickly.
“We gave everything,” said JKT Queens coach, Miriam Kalunde. “But in football, small mistakes can cost you big. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
Simba Queens now look ahead with renewed confidence as they aim to lift the league trophy once again.