Mashujaa vs Dodoma Jiji Prediction: A tough opener is expected

In round 1 of the Tanzania Ligi Kuu Bara, Mashujaa will play Dodoma Jiji at the Lake Tanganyika Stadium. After doing well to avoid relegation last season, the two teams will come into this game hoping to have a solid start to the season. How will this game unfold?

Despite a poor start, Mashujaa finished the previous season with consecutive wins, which was good enough to see them avoid relegation. Mashujaa defeated Tanzania Prisons, Mtibwa Sugar, and Dodoma Jiji in that run. However, they could only accumulate 35 points, 45 points adrift of league-winning Young Africans in 30 matches. Heading into the new season, Mashujaa have four wins in their last five games, scoring 11 goals and conceding four in those matches.

Dodoma Jiji did not have a good performance at the end of the previous season and need to start this season well. This team could only muster one win in their last five matches, coming against Singida Black Stars. However, their encounters against Mashujaa, Young Africans, and Simba ended in defeats while picking a point against Namungo. In 30 matches played, this team accumulated just 33 points, which is a poor average, sitting just the 12th spot ahead of playoffs.

I expect this opener to be full of high offensive play focusing on winning. However, Mashujaa at home has been brilliant, and while I look forward to seeing them play like they ended their season, I do not see the visiting Dodoma Jiji stopping them from getting maximum points. In the meantime, Dodoma Jiji have the needed league experience; despite being on the road, they should be able to prove a point in this game.