Harambee Stars forward returns to action in Tanzania after weeks out
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 24.04.26. | 12:22
Under the guidance of head coach Steve Barker, Simba’s victory secured their progression to the semi-finals of the eight-team tournament
Harambee Stars forward Mohammed Bajaber was introduced at the start of the second half as Simba beat Mafunzo 1-0 in a Muungano Cup quarter-final clash staged on the night of Thursday, 23 April at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Bajaber would go on to play for close to 50 minutes, marking his return from injury.
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After a cagey and uneventful first half, the breakthrough finally arrived when Selemani Mwalimu found the back of the net eight minutes after the restart.
Mafunzo, stung by the setback, responded with renewed urgency and mounted sustained pressure in the closing stages of the match.
However, Simba’s defensive resolve held firm under pressure, as they managed to keep their opponents at bay.
Bajaber’s appearance not only underlined his importance to the squad but also signaled a crucial step in his recovery journey.
The forward had been sidelined for five weeks with a recurring thigh injury, adding to an earlier setback that kept him out of action for nearly five months between August and December 2025.
His latest outing marked just his third appearance for the Dar es Salaam-based side since completing his move from Kenya Police, with injuries significantly disrupting his momentum at the club.
Under the guidance of head coach Steve Barker, Simba’s victory secured their progression to the semi-finals of the eight-team tournament, which features sides drawn from both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The result keeps alive their ambitions of reclaiming a title that has eluded them for over two decades.
The five-time winners of the competition will now turn their attention to a semi-final showdown against Mlandege.