WATCH: Allan Okello Embarrasses Simba Defender as Yanga Rally from Behind in Kariakoo Derby

Uganda Cranes starboy Allan Okello may not have scored in the Kariakoo Derby but he left fans in awe with some of his skills during the biggest match in Tanzania last weekend.

Okello was involved in his third Kariokoo Derby as Yanga took on bitter rivals Simba on Sunday, playing 79 minutes for Pedro Goncalves’ men.

The match had some beautiful goals, more so Simba’s second one netted by Zambian forward Clatous Chama, but there was great footwork too and one of them involved Okello.

Okello sent Simba’s South African centre-back Rushine De Reuck on the floor after his sleek control of the ball against the defender’s challenge, getting out of a tight marking situation with ease while his opponent had been left embarrassed on the pitch.

Yanga battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw SC in the dramatic NBC Premier League showdown played at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.

Fresh off their 1-0 victory over Yanga in the Union Cup final just days earlier, the Msimbazi giants started the match with explosive intent. They found the breakthrough just three minutes in when Libasse Gueye latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Chama and fired his team ahead.

Chama then went from provider to scorer in the 11th minute, doubling Simba's lead with a stunning acrobatic overhead kick. He connected with Elie Mpanzu's lofted ball over the Yanga defence, leaving goalkeeper Djigui Diarra with no chance.

However, Yanga quickly responded. In the 17th minute, a long ball from Maxi Nzengeli was controlled by Duke Abuya, who set up Prince Dube to slot a low finish past Simba's goalkeeper, Djibrilla Kassali, and cut the deficit in half.

Yanga continued to press, with Okello testing Kassali from distance in the 29th minute, but the keeper made the save. The first half concluded with Simba holding a narrow 2-1 lead, their high-pressing tactics having paid early dividends.

Yanga emerged for the second half with renewed purpose following key tactical substitutions, bringing on Laurindo Aurélio “Depu” and Yao Kouassi. The changes had an immediate effect, as Kouassi led a swift counter-attack that ended with Depu's volley being saved by Kassali.

The relentless pressure paid off in the 49th minute. After a Pacome cross, Dube's initial header was parried by Kassali, but the rebound fell to Bakari Mwamnyeto, who reacted fastest to smash the ball home and level the score.

The match remained an end-to-end affair. Simba nearly retook the lead a minute later through Gueye, but Diarra denied him. In the 54th minute, an advancing Inno Loemba set up Mpanzu, whose effort was again thwarted by the Yanga keeper.

Yanga missed a golden opportunity to go ahead in the 79th minute when Pacome found an unmarked Dube in space, but his shot sailed wide of the post. Gueye threatened again for Simba late in the game, forcing another save from Diarra in the 89th minute, but the score remained deadlocked.

The result leaves Yanga at the top of the league table with 48 points, maintaining their five-point cushion over second-placed Simba. The draw marks the second time the two giants have shared the points this season, further highlighting the fine margins that define Tanzanian football's most celebrated rivalry.