Simba SC claimed a 3-1 win over Dodoma Jiji FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday to open a four-point gap on top of the Tanzania Mainland League table.
Chris Mugalu (two) and Luis Miquissone scored for the reigning champions with Cleophace Mkandala scoring the visitors' first-half equaliser.
It took the 21-time champions just eight minutes to punish the debutants. The ball was passed to Rally Bwalya on the left and the winger crossed to Mugalu who had no problem scoring.
Dodoma equalised in the 28th minute when Aishi Manula fumbled the ball from a corner and Mkandala was in the right place to punish him and ensure the teams went into the half-time break tied.