Starlets' Aquino determined to help Simba retain TWPL title

Harambee Starlets midfield maestro Vivian Corazone Aquino is determined to help the Tanzanian Women Premier League reigning champions Simba Queens to defend the title.

Her sentiments come after scoring the all-important goal to help her side beat arch rivals Yanga Princess 1-0, in a nail-biting clash played on Wednesday at the KMC Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The goal came in the 47th minute after she connected an audacious low cross from Kenyan compatriot Elizabeth Wambui in the bottom right corner, leaving goalkeeper Rita Akarekor gasping for air on the ground.

"If you want to win the league title you must win big games. When we lost the Community Shield Cup, we came back, corrected our mistakes and restrategised. Today we came with only one goal, to scoop the three points," she said.

Aquino, who captained Simba Queens in reclaiming the league title last season, was over the moon after scoring the lone goal in the derby that Yanga were looking for a second win of the season.

"The game was tough, Yanga Princess is a top team. Today we showed our fans what we are made of and proved to them losing the Community Shield Cup was just hard luck," noted Aquino.

Aquino has been a revelation to Simba Queens since joining them from Gaspo in the summer of 2022 and has played a key role in the club's success.

She initially signed a two year contract before extending with a further season last season.

Simba Queens are top of the log on 12 points after four matches, two ahead of JKT Queens who sit second on 10 points.