Tanzanian giants Simba SC began their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign on a winning note, edging Angola’s Bravos do Maquis 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. 

Jean Ahoua’s first-half penalty proved decisive in a hard-fought encounter that left the Tanzanian side on top of Group A after the first game.

Simba SC capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Angolan side in the 27th minute when Edmilson handled the ball in the penalty area, gifting Simba a chance to break the deadlock.

Ahoua stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, placing it in the top left corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

The goal set the tone for an intense encounter, with both sides showing glimpses of attacking prowess.

Simba, under the guidance of new coach Maahier Davids, maintained pressure but failed to extend their lead, despite Steven Mukwala coming close with multiple attempts in the first half.

The second half saw Bravos do Maquis push for an equalizer, highlighted by a dramatic moment in the 48th minute when Emmanuel Edmond had a penalty saved by Simba’s goalkeeper.

Bravos’ best opportunities came from Jó Paciência and Macaiabo, whose efforts either sailed over or were blocked by Simba’s resilient defense.

Simba’s Joshua Mutale hit the post in the 66th minute, coming agonizingly close to doubling the lead.

Substitutions from both sides added fresh energy, but neither team could find the back of the net in the latter stages.

Simba’s defense, marshaled by Shomari Kapombe and Mohamed Hussein, stood firm in the dying moments as Bravos pushed for a late equalizer.

The Tanzanian side’s composure under pressure ensured they secured all three points to kick off their campaign in Group A.

The result places Simba SC at the summit of Group A ahead of the group’s other clash between Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien and Algeria’s Constantine, scheduled for later on Wednesday.

With such competitive sides in the “Group of Death,” Simba’s opening victory could prove vital in their quest to progress to the knockout stages.

Standings After Matchday 1:

1. Simba SC (Tanzania) – 3 points
2. CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) – 0 points (yet to play)
3. Constantine (Algeria) – 0 points (yet to play)
4. Bravos do Maquis (Angola) – 0 points

Raja Casablanca’s Algerian player Yousri Bouzok has reportedly refused to take part in tonight’s CAF Champions League match against AS FAR due to his team’s jersey, which features Morocco’s full map including its southern provinces in Western Sahara.

Le 360 quoted “sources close to the club” as saying that Bouzok, a key player for the team, expressed concerns about possible repercussions from Algerian authorities upon his return home. This has led him to request to be excluded from the game, added the report.

The game is taking place today at 8 p.m. local time at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca. Raja Casablanca has yet to release the official squad list for the match.  

This incident is part of a broader pattern of controversies surrounding the inclusion of Morocco’s full map on club jerseys.

Earlier this year, a similar controversy emerged with RS Berkane’s jersey.  The incident occurred when Algeria denied entry to the team’s delegation after landing at the Houari Boumediene Airport for a game against USMA Alger.

Algerian security confiscated the team’s equipment, including the jerseys, and left them stranded at the airport for hours. The delegation ended up returning to Morocco after Algerian authorities refused to return their equipment for the game to take place. As a result, the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final was cancelled.

The second leg of the match, which was set to take place in Morocco, was also cancelled after USMA Alger players refused to participate in the game.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) affirmed the legitimacy of RS Berkane’s jersey and fined USMA $40,000 for refusing to participate in the two games.

-Morocco World News

Defending champions Al Ahly launched their quest for a third consecutive  CAF Champions League title with a resounding 4-2 victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo on Tuesday.

The record title holders from Egypt dominated the first half, racing to a 3-1 lead, with Mahmoud Kahraba netting twice and Mohamed Magdi Kafsha adding another. 

Stade d’Abidjan managed a response through Kassoum Koné but was ultimately overrun by Al Ahly’s firepower.

A second-half strike by Kahraba secured the points despite a late goal from Roger Assalé for the visitors.

Pyramids FC Shine in Group D

Elsewhere, Egypt’s Pyramids FC lit up the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo with a scintillating 5-1 dismantling of Angola’s Sagrada Esperança. 

Ibrahim Adel was the star, contributing two goals, including a stunning opener in the 17th minute.

Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Hamdy, and Ahmed Atef also found the net, while Sagrada’s consolation came late via Cachí.

The dominant display underscores Pyramids’ ambitions to make a deep run in only their second group-stage campaign.

Goalless Stalemate in Pretoria

In Group B, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by DR Congo debutants Maniema Union at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Despite dominating possession, the home side failed to convert several chances, including Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s strike against the crossbar.

Maniema’s resilient defence earned them a valuable point in their first group-stage appearance.

The action continues with Group B’s marquee Moroccan derby between Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat, while CR Belouizdad host Orlando Pirates in Group C.

Esperance face Djoliba in the final Group D fixture later tonight.

-CAF