Dar es Salaam. After Yanga’s away clash against Wiliete Benguela of Angola on Friday in the first round of the CAF Champions League, today, Saturday, September 20, it is the turn of their archrivals, Simba, who are confidently asserting that the international stage is theirs and promising big results on foreign soil.
Simba, who reached the final of last season’s CAF Confederation Cup but fell 3-1 to RS Berkane of Morocco, will travel to Gaborone, Botswana, to face Gaborone United in the first leg of the opening round of the CAF Champions League.
It is not only Simba in action this weekend; other Tanzanian representatives in CAF competitions, including Azam FC, Singida Black Stars, as well as Zanzibar’s KMKM and Mlandege, will also play away matches today and tomorrow, seeking positive results ahead of the return fixtures next week.
KMKM, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup alongside Azam FC and Singida Black Stars, will play tomorrow at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar against AS Port of Djibouti, as their opponents have chosen the venue as their home ground.
With five Tanzanian clubs in action today and tomorrow, opening a new chapter in CAF competitions following Yanga’s official kickoff against Wiliete, the spotlight remains on Botswana, where Simba will be tested.
Simba enters the competition following a 1-0 loss to Yanga in the Community Shield but returns to the CAF Champions League determined to build on last season’s performance.
Although they missed out on last season’s CAF Champions League due to finishing third in the Premier League, Simba reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup, narrowly losing 3-1 to RS Berkane.
Today, they aim to start fresh and continue the momentum they have displayed in CAF competitions since the 2018–2019 season, when they reached the quarter-finals four times.
Players and coach Fadlu Davids have confidently stated that, with their current squad, Simba is prepared to excel in Africa’s premier club competitions, aiming to emulate the club’s historic run to the semi-finals in 1974, during the era of the African Champions Clubs before the tournament’s rebranding in 1998.
Gaborone United vs Simba
Simba faces Gaborone United in the first leg of the CAF Champions League opening round, playing away in Botswana.
The Reds carry an impressive record against teams from the country, having faced Botswana clubs in CAF competitions since 2003.
The eagerly awaited match kicks off today at 2:00 AM local time at the Botswana National Stadium, with Simba challenging the 2024–2025 Botswana league champions.
Today will mark Simba’s first encounter with Gaborone United, with coach Fadlu Davids and key players acknowledging the challenge while aiming for an away victory.
Simba will rely on a blend of new talent and experienced campaigners, including Jonathan Sowah, Neo Maema, Rushine de Rueck, Naby Camara, Jean Charles Ahoua, Moussa Camara, Steven Mukwala, and Ellie Mpanzu.
The 90 minutes will set the stage for next week’s return leg in Dar es Salaam, where the aggregate winner will progress to the second round.
El Merreikh Bentiu vs Azam FC
Coach Florent Ibenge begins his mission to guide Azam FC further in CAF competitions, having previously led RS Berkane to a CAF Confederation Cup title in the 2021–2022 season. Despite limited experience in group stages, Azam FC have strengthened their squad with key signings, including goalkeeper Issa Fofana from Sudan’s Al Hilal.
Azam takes on El Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan today at 10:00 PM in Juba, aiming for an away victory to boost morale and secure a favorable position in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Coach Mwalo Jashim emphasized that his players already understand the importance of the match, requiring minimal extra motivation. Key players include Japhte Kitambala, Issa Fofana, Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto’, Nassor Saadun, Fuentes Mandoza, and Baraket Lhmidi.
Rayon Sports vs Singida Black Stars
Singida Black Stars make their CAF Confederation Cup debut with an away clash against Rwanda’s Rayon Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium today at 12:00 PM.
Coach Miguel Gamondi, no stranger to CAF competitions, having guided Yanga to consecutive group stage appearances in 2023–2025, brings experience and ambition to the team.
With seasoned CAF players like Clatous Chama and Khalid Aucho, Singida Black Stars aim to make a strong impression.
Ethiopian Insurance vs Mlandege
Zanzibar champions Mlandege travel to Ethiopia to face Ethiopian Insurance today at 3:00 PM at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa. The sides are closely matched, making this a highly competitive encounter in the CAF Confederation Cup.
AS Port vs KMKM
KMKM will face AS Port of Djibouti tomorrow at 10:15 PM at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar. Coach Ame Msimu noted that his side knows the opponents well and enters the game without pressure, recalling their previous victories in the Kagame Cup encounters, including a 1-0 win in 2019 in Rwanda.
