Simba SC, Singida Black Stars take big steps in Caf campaign
Simba attacking midfielder Ellie Mpanzu (right) fights for the ball against Mighty Wanderers players during their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round match at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi yesterday. Simba won 1-0. PHOTO | COURTESY
The Msimbazi Street giants claimed the crucial away victory at Bingu National Stadium through Anicet Oura, who struck in the 65th minute after receiving a long pass from goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali
Dar es Salaam. Simba SC and Singida Black Stars made impressive starts to their respective CAF campaigns , with Simba securing a narrow away victory in the Champions League while Singida produced a commanding win in the Confederation Cup.
Simba edged Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers 1-0 at Bingu National Stadium in the first leg of their Caf Champions League first preliminary-round tie, while Singida Black Stars thrashed South Sudan’s Al Ghazala 7-1 at Juba International Stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Simba’s victory came through Anicet Oura, who scored in the 65th minute after receiving a long pass from goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali. The attacking midfielder showed composure to finish the chance and give Simba a valuable advantage heading into Sunday’s return leg.
The result means Simba need a draw or another victory in the second leg to secure their place in the next preliminary round. The return match will be played at the Azam Complex on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm.
Despite the win, Simba could have returned to Tanzania with a bigger advantage after creating several scoring opportunities. Some efforts went wide, while others were saved by the Mighty Wanderers goalkeeper, leaving the Tanzanian side with work to do in front of goal.
Coach and players will therefore need to ensure greater efficiency in the return match, particularly as Mighty Wanderers are expected to attack from the start in an attempt to overturn the deficit.
The Malawian side must win in Tanzania to keep their Champions League campaign alive, while Simba will be keen to avoid complacency and complete the job in front of their home supporters.
The winners of the tie will face either Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive or Mali’s Stade Malien in the next stage. The second preliminary-round first legs are scheduled for October 16-18, with the return matches set for October 23-25.
Singida, meanwhile, enjoyed a far more comfortable evening in Juba, overwhelming Al Ghazala 7-1 to put themselves in a commanding position in their Confederation Cup tie.
Matthew Tegris was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick, while Jonathan Sowah contributed two goals. Shekhan Khamis and Henry David also got on the scoresheet as Singida completed an emphatic away victory.
The seven-goal haul gives Singida a substantial advantage ahead of the return fixture and leaves Al Ghazala with a difficult task if they are to overturn the deficit.
For the Tanzanian representatives, the results provided an encouraging start to their continental campaigns. Simba have a slender advantage to protect in the Champions League, while Singida can approach their return leg with greater confidence after establishing a commanding lead in South Sudan.
Both sides will now turn their attention to the second legs, with Simba looking to finish the job at home and Singida aiming to confirm their progression to the next stage.
