Tanzania makes history as four clubs reach CAF Group Stages
Simba attacking midfielder Jean Ahoua attempts to beat an Nsingizini Hotspurs player during their CAF Champions League match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium yesterday. The encounter ended in a goalless draw. PHOTO/COURTESY
Mainland Premier League giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba have booked their spots in the CAF Champions League group stage, while Azam FC and Singida Black Stars have advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has written a new chapter in African football history after four of its clubs qualified for the group stages of the continental club competitions for the 2025 season.
Mainland Premier League giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba have booked their spots in the CAF Champions League group stage, while Azam FC and Singida Black Stars have advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
This marks the first time in the country’s football history that four Tanzanian clubs have reached this milestone in a single season.
Yanga secured their qualification after defeating Malawi’s Silver Strikers 2–1 on aggregate. The reigning Mainland champions put on a dominant display at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, led by goals from Dickson Job and Pacome Zouzoua.
The result sealed their back-to-back qualification for the Champions League group stage, reinforcing their growing stature in African club football. Simba, meanwhile, completed the historic achievement after eliminating Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs.
The Msimbazi Reds, who have consistently been among the continent’s top performers in recent years, confirmed their spot after a strong home performance in Dar es Salaam. In the Confederation Cup, Azam FC made an emphatic statement by thrashing Zanzibar’s KMKM 9–0 on aggregate, showcasing their attacking strength and tactical discipline. The Ice Cream Makers will now be making their debut appearance in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup — a major achievement for the Chamazi-based club.
Singida Black Stars also made history by reaching the group stage after overcoming Flambeau du Centre of Burundi 4–2 on aggregate.
The victory reflects the club’s steady progress and growing ambition on the continental stage, despite being one of the youngest sides in the competition.
The four teams’ success highlights Tanzania’s rising dominance in regional and continental football.
It also underscores the progress made by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and local clubs in improving professionalism, infrastructure, and competitiveness.
Tanzanian football fans will now eagerly await the CAF draw for the group stages, scheduled to take place on November 3 in South Africa.
The draw will determine the next opponents for Yanga, Simba, Azam, and Singida as they look to continue flying the Tanzanian flag high across Africa.
