Dar es Salaam. Simba SC’s campaign in the CAF Champions League group stage took another painful blow as the Tanzanian giants suffered a 2–1 defeat away to Stade Malien, marking their second consecutive loss in the competition.
After falling 1–0 at home to Petro de Luanda in their opening fixture, this latest setback places them at the bottom of Group D with zero points from two matches.
The match in Bamako began with high intensity, with the hosts showing early aggression and quick ball circulation that immediately unsettled the Simba defence.
Stade Malien capitalised on their momentum, opening the scoring in the 16th minute through Nkeng who finished calmly from a well-timed pass by Traore.
Simba attempted to reorganise, but their struggles in maintaining possession and defending in transition once again surfaced.
Only seven minutes after the opener, Simpara doubled the advantage for Stade Malien, turning in a delivery from Bode A.
This early 2–0 deficit left Simba chasing the game in unfavourable conditions.
The visitors made several tactical changes early in the second half, introducing fresh legs in an effort to regain control.
The adjustments yielded some improvement, as Simba registered more purposeful attacks and pressed higher up the pitch.
Their persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Maema pulled one back with a composed finish, raising hopes of a potential comeback.
The goal energised Simba, who then enjoyed a stronger spell of possession and forced Stade Malien onto the back foot.
However, Simba’s vulnerability in key moments continued to haunt them.
At the hour mark, Suleiman Y. received a yellow card following a reckless challenge, halting Simba’s momentum and allowing the hosts breathing space to regain structure.
Stade Malien later earned a penalty, but Nkeng squandered the opportunity, sending the effort wide.
It was a lifeline for Simba, yet they failed to take advantage of the reprieve despite increased urgency in the final stages.
Substitutions from both sides added tempo and physicality to the closing minutes, with the home team focusing heavily on game management.
Simba struggled to break through, finding themselves repeatedly denied by disciplined defending.
Tensions rose further when Kante A of Stade Malien was sent off with a straight red card in the 82nd minute.
Playing against ten men, Simba pushed harder, but chances remained scarce as the Malian side defended compactly.
In stoppage time, Camara received a yellow card as Stade Malien attempted to slow the tempo and protect their narrow lead.
Simba continued to press, yet the equaliser remained elusive.
When the final whistle blew, Simba were left frustrated, knowing they had missed a crucial chance to collect their first points of the campaign.
Defensive lapses and wasted opportunities once again defined their performance.
The defeat leaves Simba rooted at the bottom of Group D behind Petro Atlético, Stade Malien, and Esperance Tunis.
With only four matches remaining, their path to qualification has become dramatically steeper.
Simba now face the daunting task of regrouping, correcting their structural weaknesses, and preparing for upcoming fixtures that will determine their continental fate.
Confidence must be rebuilt quickly if they are to revive their campaign.
Supporters back home expressed disappointment, but many remain hopeful that Simba can still turn the tide with a stronger showing in the remaining group games.
The team, however, will need to show greater discipline, sharper attacking precision, and improved defensive organisation to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
As the group stage intensifies, Simba’s next match will carry enormous pressure.
A third straight defeat would all but end their ambitions, making the upcoming clash a must-win encounter in their pursuit of continental redemption.
