Dar es Salaam. “There goes Simba!” The Tanzanian giants have progressed to the second round of the CAF Champions League after being held to a 1-1 draw this evening by Botswana’s Gaborone United at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
However, Simba advance with a 2-1 aggregate score, thanks to a 1-0 away victory secured last week.
The Reds will now face Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini, who eliminated Simba Bhora of Zimbabwe via a 4-2 penalty shootout win.
The Swazi side won 1-0 at home today, cancelling out their 1-0 away defeat, with penalties ultimately deciding the tie.
The upcoming clash between Simba and Nsingizini Hotspurs will take place between October 17 and 26, with the winner progressing to the group stage.
Two Penalties Settle the Match
Simba opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through attacking midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua, who converted from the penalty spot after midfielder Morice Abraham was fouled inside the box.
That goal gave the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break it was also their only notable attack of the first half.
Gaborone United, who came determined to overturn the first-leg deficit, were the more aggressive side in the opening period.
Their midfielder Thatayaone Kgamanyane will rue two golden opportunities he missed in the 23rd and 38th minutes both one-on-one situations against Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara, which he failed to convert.
The second half saw Gaborone equalise in the 66th minute, also from the spot. Lebogang Litsele coolly slotted it home after winger Thabo Maponda was brought down in the box by Simba defender Chamou Karaboue.
Maponda, who came on at the start of the second half in place of Sheikh Sesay, proved to be a constant threat with his pace and direct play.
He nearly put his side ahead in the 73rd minute, but squandered a clear-cut chance after beating the defence only to be denied by Camara once again.
On the other end, Simba’s Ahoua will also be disappointed after missing two great opportunities in the 67th and 79th minutes, including one where he rounded the goalkeeper but failed to finish.
Tanzanian Clubs March On
Simba now join other Tanzanian clubs in the second round of continental competition, including Yanga, Singida Black Stars, and KMKM. Meanwhile, Azam FC are currently in action against Al Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan, holding a 1-0 lead at home after having won 2-0 away last week.
