Tanzanian giants Simba SC began their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign on a winning note, edging Angola’s Bravos do Maquis 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
Jean Ahoua’s first-half penalty proved decisive in a hard-fought encounter that left the Tanzanian side on top of Group A after the first game.
Simba SC capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Angolan side in the 27th minute when Edmilson handled the ball in the penalty area, gifting Simba a chance to break the deadlock.
Ahoua stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, placing it in the top left corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
The goal set the tone for an intense encounter, with both sides showing glimpses of attacking prowess.
Simba, under the guidance of new coach Maahier Davids, maintained pressure but failed to extend their lead, despite Steven Mukwala coming close with multiple attempts in the first half.
The second half saw Bravos do Maquis push for an equalizer, highlighted by a dramatic moment in the 48th minute when Emmanuel Edmond had a penalty saved by Simba’s goalkeeper.
Bravos’ best opportunities came from Jó Paciência and Macaiabo, whose efforts either sailed over or were blocked by Simba’s resilient defense.
Simba’s Joshua Mutale hit the post in the 66th minute, coming agonizingly close to doubling the lead.
Substitutions from both sides added fresh energy, but neither team could find the back of the net in the latter stages.
Simba’s defense, marshaled by Shomari Kapombe and Mohamed Hussein, stood firm in the dying moments as Bravos pushed for a late equalizer.
The Tanzanian side’s composure under pressure ensured they secured all three points to kick off their campaign in Group A.
The result places Simba SC at the summit of Group A ahead of the group’s other clash between Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien and Algeria’s Constantine, scheduled for later on Wednesday.
With such competitive sides in the “Group of Death,” Simba’s opening victory could prove vital in their quest to progress to the knockout stages.
Standings After Matchday 1:
Simba SC (Tanzania) – 3 points
CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) – 0 points (yet to play)
Constantine (Algeria) – 0 points (yet to play)
Bravos do Maquis (Angola) – 0 points
