Simba, Yanga climb CAF rankings as Tanzania’s Football influence grows

By The Respondent Reporter

Tanzania’s football powerhouses, Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC), have climbed in the latest Confederation of African Football (CAF) club rankings, underscoring the country’s growing influence in continental competitions.

CAF’s updated five-year rankings, released yesterday, place Simba fifth with 48 points up from seventh last year  reflecting their consistency in reaching one final and four quarterfinals in recent seasons. Yanga have also gained ground, moving from 13th to 12th with 34 points, bolstered by a CAF final appearance, a quarterfinal berth, and a group-stage run.

The release comes on the eve of Dar es Salaam hosting the preliminary draw for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup  the first time Tanzania has staged the event. The rankings will determine seeding for Saturday’s draw.

North African clubs continue to dominate the top tier, with Egypt’s Al Ahly leading the standings, followed by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Tunisia’s Esperance, and Morocco’s RS Berkane. Pyramids FC (Egypt), Zamalek (Egypt), Wydad AC (Morocco), USM Alger (Algeria), and CR Belouizdad (Algeria) complete the top 10.

Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns remain the only clubs with direct entry into the second round of this season’s Champions League.

recently featured in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, alongside Esperance and Wydad, with Chelsea lifting the trophy.

For Tanzania, the rise of both Simba and Yanga signals a strengthening domestic football scene  not only through on-field success but also by attracting major continental events.

 Football stakeholders say this momentum could inspire deeper tournament runs and greater regional recognition in the upcoming season.