Dar es Salaam. The noise and hype that preceded the start of the CAF group-stage matches have now settled only to be replaced by shock results for all four Tanzanian clubs in continental action.
Yanga and Simba, competing in the CAF Champions League, produced contrasting but unexpected outcomes at home, while Azam FC and Singida Black Stars, representing the country in the CAF Confederation Cup, both suffered 2–0 defeats away from home.
Yanga opened their campaign with a hard-earned 1–0 victory over AS FAR Rabat of Morocco at the New Amaan Stadium in Unguja, courtesy of a decisive strike from Prince Dube.
Simba, however, were disappointed at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, falling 1–0 to Petro de Luanda of Angola.
In the Confederation Cup, Azam FC were beaten 2–0 by AS Union Maniema of DR Congo, while Singida Black Stars were undone 2–0 by Algeria’s CR Belouizdad—despite both sides showing resilience in their debut group-stage appearances.
The four Tanzanian teams now turn their attention to the second round of group matches. Yanga and Simba head away, while Azam and Singida return home for crucial fixtures before CAF competitions pause until January 2025 for the AFCON finals.
Below is a breakdown of how each Tanzanian team performed and the challenges they face as they fight for a place in the quarter-finals.
Yanga off to a bright start
Yanga began their campaign impressively, defeating a strong AS FAR Rabat side 1–0 in a match many expected them to struggle in.
Perhaps the pre-match underestimation worked in their favour, as Yanga executed their game plan perfectly, controlling the match and securing three vital points.
The win leaves Yanga second in Group B, tied on points with leaders Al Ahly, separated only by goal difference.
Even so, the group remains extremely tough, with Ahly, JS Kabylie and FAR Rabat all boasting rich continental pedigree.
Yanga must avoid complacency as they prepare to face JS Kabylie away on November 28 at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.
Kabylie, having lost their opening fixture, will be desperate to respond, and coach Pedro Gonçalves must ensure Yanga stay compact, convert their chances and avoid conceding early.
Simba falter at home
Simba’s 1–0 home defeat to Petro Atletico exposed several shortcomings within the squad.
The loss ended their impressive home run, their first defeat at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium since a 3–0 loss to Raja Casablanca in February 2023.
The Reds have now gone four consecutive home matches without a win across CAF competitions drawing with RS Berkane, Gaborone United and Nsingizini Hotspurs before falling to Petro.
The blame has been split between two areas:
Wasted chances – Simba created enough opportunities to alter the result but failed to convert.
Questionable team selection – Coach Dimitar Pantev fielded his side for 52 minutes without a recognised striker, a decision that left many fans questioning his tactical approach.
With Esperance drawing at home in the same group, Simba and the Tunisians are the only teams not to win their opening matches in Group D.
Still, Simba remain in contention, with history showing they have previously advanced to the quarter-finals despite losing twice in the group stage.
Their next opponents, Stade Malien who forced a draw against Esperance are well-organised and disciplined.
Simba must adjust their starting lineup, fix their finishing problems and approach the match with renewed purpose if they are to revive their quarter-final hopes.
Azam struggle on continental debut
Azam FC’s first-ever group-stage appearance in CAF competitions began on the wrong foot with a 2–0 loss away to Union Maniema.
Nervousness and inexperience appeared to affect the Chamazi-based side, who squandered several clear chances.
Striker Japheth Kitambala will regret missing three golden opportunities against his former club two in the first half and one in the second moments that proved costly as Maniema capitalised on defensive lapses to score both goals.
Azam now prepare to face Wydad Athletic of Morocco on November 28 at the New Amaan Stadium.
Wydad enter the match full of confidence after a commanding 3–0 home win over Nairobi City Stars.
For Azam to stand a chance, they must:
• Tighten their shaky defence
• Be ruthless in front of goal
• Adopt Yanga’s belief that “everything is possible” with proper organisation
Coach Florent Ibenge has the tools to engineer a turnaround, but only if Azam elevate their performance significantly.
Singida Black Stars show promise despite defeat
Singida Black Stars also opened their campaign with a 2–0 defeat to CR Belouizdad in Algeria, coached by former Yanga manager Sead Ramovic.
Despite the loss, Miguel Gamondi’s men played with courage, created chances and showed they belong at this level.
They now return home for a crucial match against South Africa’s Stellenbosch on November 30 at the New Amaan Stadium.
Stellenbosch opened their campaign with a 1–0 home win over AS Otoho of Congo Brazzaville.
Singida’s squad includes experienced players used to continental football, and with veteran midfielder Khalid Aucho set to return, they stand a realistic chance of bouncing back.
Their immediate priority is beating Stellenbosch before engaging in back-to-back clashes with AS Otoho next year matches likely to determine their quarter-final fate.
