Dar es Salaam. Ellie Mpanzu’s decisive 20th-minute strike was all Simba needed to secure a vital 1-0 away victory against Botswana’s Gaborone United in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
The win gives the Tanzanian giants a huge advantage ahead of the return leg in Dar es Salaam next week.
The goal came after a dominant opening spell from the Msimbazi Reds, who pressed high and looked hungry from the first whistle.
Mpanzu rose highest to meet a clever cross and powered a header into the net, silencing the home crowd and rewarding Simba’s aggressive approach in the early stages.
The victory carried symbolic weight as well. It reminded Botswana fans of Simba’s last visit to the country four years ago, when they played Jwaneng Galaxy.
That history seemed to repeat itself as Simba once again displayed composure and maturity on foreign soil.
From the outset, Simba dictated the rhythm of the game. Within the first 15 minutes, the Tanzanians enjoyed the Simba share of possession and forced Gaborone’s backline into hurried clearances.
Their attacks flowed through both wings and the middle, creating constant problems for the hosts.
Mpanzu, the eventual match-winner, was a constant menace throughout. His movement off the ball created space for teammates, while his link-up play with Neo Maema and Charles Jean Ahoua ensured Simba’s midfield maintained attacking fluidity.
The trio combined seamlessly, stretching the opposition defense with quick interchanges.
Head coach Fadlu Davids’ tactical calls also caught attention. Instead of relying on Steven Mukwala, who led the line in the recent Community Shield against Yanga, Davids opted for Seleman Mwalimu as the main striker.
The change added pace and unpredictability, giving Simba a sharper edge in the final third.
Although Simba dominated large spells, Gaborone United had their moments.
Midway through the first half, the hosts tested goalkeeper Moussa Camara with a fierce shot from distance, but the Malian shot-stopper reacted superbly to keep his side ahead.
Defensively, Simba remained compact and disciplined. Rushine De Reuck marshaled the backline effectively, ensuring that Gaborone’s attempts to break through were dealt with before causing any real damage.
The defensive unit’s focus was particularly evident in the closing minutes when the hosts pressed for an equalizer.
For Davids, the narrow win underlined the importance of patience in knockout football.
The victory also highlighted Simba’s growing reputation in continental football. Having reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup last season, the Reds are determined to build on that momentum and prove themselves once again on Africa’s biggest stage.
Interestingly, Simba’s triumph coincided with impressive results from other Tanzanian clubs.
Their fierce rivals Yanga SC registered a stunning 3-0 away victory against Wiliete in Angola on Friday, signaling their own intent in the Champions League.
The two Tanzanian giants seem destined for another season of continental rivalry.
Elsewhere, Azam FC, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup, delivered a professional performance in Sudan, defeating Al Merreikh 2-0.
The win demonstrated their readiness to challenge beyond the domestic scene.
Singida Black Stars also joined the party with a 1-0 win over Rwanda’s APR, completing a perfect weekend for Tanzanian football.
These collective victories place all four Tanzanian representatives in commanding positions ahead of the return fixtures at home.
With home advantage, passionate fans, and momentum on their side, the likelihood of all four progressing to the next round looks strong.
For Simba, however, the focus remains sharp. Returning to Dar es Salaam with a slender lead means discipline and precision will be key in the second leg.
A single goal cushion is valuable but fragile, and Davids will be reminding his players not to underestimate Gaborone United’s resilience.
