DEFENDING champions Simba moved step closer towards retaining their crown after beating JKT Oljoro 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the Under -20 Premier League at the Karume Memorial Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Simba join Azam FC and Mtibwa Sugar who won their respective matches. Mtibwa thrashed African Lyon 3-1 at the same venue, while Azam beat JKT Ruvu 1-0 at the Chamazi Stadium, to march through to the semifinal. Mtibwa took an early lead through Hillary Kasela after 22 minutes.

Hassan Kabunda settled the score for African Lyon in the 53rd minute. There was still time, through for Mtibwa to snatch a win as they piled pressure on their opponents. It paid off in the 64th minute when Godfrey Mohamed netted the second and Juma Lazio put the score beyond African Lyon's reach three minutes before the final whistle.

Mtibwa and Azam will face off in the first semifinal clash, while Simba will play a winner of the match between the 2010 winners Ruvu Shooting from Coast region and in-form Coastal Union from Tanga, who played yesterday evening in the last quarterfinal staged at the Chamazi Stadium.

The Uhai Cup, which is sponsored by Said Salim Bakhressa under Uhai drinking water, was established in 2008 and aimed at grooming young players.