Dar es Salaam. The roar has returned loud, commanding, and impossible to ignore.
Simba SC, the pride of Tanzanian football, reminded Africa why they are called the international beast after storming Eswatini with a clinical 3–0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
It was a performance full of purpose, control, and class one that showed a team regaining its rhythm and identity under new coach Dimitar Pantev.
From the first whistle at the Mavuso Sports Centre, Simba played with the confidence of a side that knew exactly what was at stake.
They pressed high, moved the ball with intent, and dictated tempo from the midfield, while the hosts struggled to cope with the Tanzanian giants’ physicality and tactical discipline.
It was not just about winning it was a statement that Mnyama (The Lion) had found its hunting ground once again.
First Half: A Show of Patience and Precision
The early exchanges were energetic. Both teams pushed forward with pace, eager to draw first blood, but finishing let them down.
Simba, however, showed superior coordination, controlling the rhythm through Neo Maema and Ellie Mpanzu, who were outstanding in linking midfield and attack.
Their first real chance came in the 17th minute when Mpanzu’s well-taken free-kick from 25 yards forced a save from goalkeeper Khanyakweze Shabalala. Simba’s pressing game continued to suffocate Nsingizini, who, despite their speed, found no way through the defensive wall marshalled by Rushine de Reuck and Nelson Nangu.
The hosts’ frustrations were clear.
They failed to register a single shot on target in the first half, with all seven of their attempts going off target a testament to Simba’s solid defensive organisation. In contrast, Simba’s control was rewarded on the stroke of halftime.
In the 45+2 minute, defender Wilson Nangu timed his jump perfectly to head home a precise corner from Maema, putting Simba ahead 1–0.
It was a captain’s finish powerful, composed, and symbolic of a team rediscovering its winning mentality.
The goal also continued Simba’s impressive record of scoring from set pieces, marking the third headed goal this season by their defenders after Abdulrazack Hamza and Rushine de Reuck.
Simba went into the break leading 1–0, having dominated possession with 52 per cent and looking the sharper side in every department.
Second Half: Tactical Masterclass from Pantev
Coach Dimitar Pantev returned from the break with clear intent to finish the job early.
His decision to bring on Ghanaian forward Jonathan Sowah for Seleman Mwalimu was bold and decisive, and it changed the tempo immediately.
Sowah’s movement stretched the Nsingizini backline, creating more spaces for Kibu Denis and Jean Charles Ahoua to exploit.
Simba continued to pile pressure on the hosts, who struggled to contain the waves of red attacks.
Midfielders Mpanzu and Naby Camara dictated play effortlessly, while Kapombe and Mligo provided width and dangerous crosses. The Lions looked hungry, confident, and ready to kill the game off.
In the 78th minute, Pantev made another tactical adjustment, bringing on fresh legs Kibu Denis, Yusuf Kagoma, and Morris Abraham in place of Maema, Ahoua, and Mutale.
The changes had an instant impact. Kagoma tightened control in midfield, while Kibu and Morris injected blistering pace and creativity in attack.
It took just six minutes for the impact to show.
In the 84th minute, Kibu Denis produced a moment of magic controlling a fine pass from Sowah, turning sharply, and slotting home with precision to make it 2–0.
The goal was vintage Kibu: quick, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient.
But Simba were not done yet.
As Nsingizini pushed forward desperately in search of a consolation, they left gaps behind.
In the 90th minute, Kibu struck again this time finishing calmly from a Morris Abraham assist to seal a 3–0 victory.
It was a brilliant counterattack, one that underlined Simba’s depth, discipline, and deadly instinct in front of goal.
A Roar That Shakes the Region
Simba’s win was not just another victory it was a reminder of their dominance in Southern Africa.
The last time they played in Eswatini, in 2018, they humbled Mbabane Swallows 4–0.
History repeated itself in style.
The Tanzanian giants once again walked off the pitch unbeaten, with clean sheets and commanding football to their name.
The 3–0 triumph now gives Simba a huge advantage heading into the return leg in Dar es Salaam.
It also serves as a warning to other African clubs the Lion has awakened, and it’s hungry for continental glory.
No Camara, No Problem
First-choice goalkeeper Moussa Camara missed the match due to injury, but his absence was barely felt.
Youngster Yakub Seleman, making his first international appearance, stepped up brilliantly.
His composure under pressure, quick reflexes, and communication with his defenders were outstanding.
Seleman’s clean sheet is more than a stat it’s a statement that Simba’s goalkeeping future is safe.
Simba SC looked like a team reborn structured, fearless, and confident.
Every player understood their role, and every substitution had purpose.
From Kapombe’s leadership to Kibu’s finishing and Pantev’s tactical control, the performance had everything a continental contender needs.
With this kind of display, it’s hard not to believe that Simba’s ambitions of going deep into the CAF Champions League are more than just dreams they are a mission.
Simba SC Line-up:
Yakub Seleman; Shomari Kapombe, Antony Mligo, Rushine de Reuck, Nelson Nangu (Chamou Karaboue); Naby Camara, Joshua Mutale (Morris Abraham), Neo Maema, Kibu Denis, Seleman Mwalimu (Jonathan Sowah), Jean Charles Ahoua (Kibu Denis), Ellie Mpanzu.
Nsingizini Hotspurs Line-up:
Khanyakweze Shabalala; Vuyo Macina, Shongwe Nkosingphile, Dlamini Neliswa, Adeleke Ade, Ayanda Gadlela (Quality Dlamini), Joel Madondo, Kwakyi Kingsley, Thwala Kwakhe, Mavuso Thubelihle, Sizwe Khumalo
