Two Kenyan tacticians clashed in the Tanzanian Premier League yesterday, with David Ouma’s Singida Black Stars securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Robert Matano’s Fountain Gate at the Tanzanite Kwaraa Stadium in Manyara.
The match saw Singida complete a league double over their opponents, having won the reverse fixture 2-0. Despite being away, Singida controlled much of the game and walked away with all three points, strengthening their push for continental football next season.
Pre-Match Statements
Ahead of the encounter, Ouma expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver a strong performance following the international break.
“We now have a full squad after the international break, and our focus is on maintaining good performances to strengthen our chances of securing a spot in the CAF competitions. We believe that by sticking to our game plan, we stand a strong chance of winning the match,” Ouma stated.
On the other hand, Matano downplayed the first-leg loss, emphasizing his team’s focus on the present challenge.
“I’m not dwelling on the past (first-leg result); my focus is entirely on this match. Our priority is not them but ourselves—our formation, our strategy, and how we execute our game plan. They are a strong side, but we are ready,” he said.
Match Recap
Ouma opted to bench Kenyan striker Elvis Rupia, instead handing the starting role to the in-form Jonathan Sowah, who repaid his coach’s faith by opening the scoring in the 30th minute with his eighth goal since joining in the mid-season transfer window.
Singida extended their lead in the second half, with Frank Assink finding the net in the 56th minute. The third and final goal came in the 71st minute from Emmanuel Keyekeh, who recently switched his nationality from Ghanaian to Tanzanian.
League Standings & Future Aspirations
With the win, Singida Black Stars moved to 47 points after 24 matches, maintaining their position in fourth place behind league giants Yanga SC, Simba SC, and Azam FC. A fourth-place finish would guarantee them a slot in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
This would mark the second time Ouma has guided a team to continental qualification, having achieved a similar feat with Coastal Union last season.
Meanwhile, Matano’s Fountain Gate remains seventh with 28 points, having won eight matches, drawn four, and lost twelve.
Post-Match Reaction
Following the emphatic victory, Ouma praised his squad for their resilience.
“We knew this would be a tough game, facing a strong opponent away from home. I commend the players for their hard work, teamwork, and ability to adapt in challenging moments to secure the win. Our journey continues with dedication and sacrifice as we push towards our goal. Now, we shift our focus to preparing for our next match against Azam FC on April 6th,” he remarked.
With the season entering its final stretch, Singida Black Stars remain firmly in contention for a CAF competition spot, while Fountain Gate will look to bounce back and improve their standing in the league.
