Simba SC have secured qualification for the second round of the CAF Champions League after holding Botswana’s Garobone United to a 1-1 draw at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.
The Tanzanian giants took an early lead in the first half when Jean Charles Ahoua converted a penalty in the 45th minute.
However, Garobone United leveled the score in the 57th minute, with Lebogang Ditsele calmly slotting home from the spot.
The result gave Simba a 2-1 aggregate victory, having won the first-leg encounter away from home.
The qualification also earned the club TZS 5 million from the “Goal of the Nation” incentive, a motivational package introduced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to support Tanzanian teams competing in international tournaments.
With the aggregate win, Garobone United exit this year’s competition at the preliminary stage, while Simba march forward with high hopes of progressing deeper into the tournament.
Simba’s progress follows that of archrivals Young Africans (Yanga), ensuring that both Tanzanian representatives remain in the continental showpiece after strong performances in their home and away fixtures.
Although the match at Benjamin Mkapa was played behind closed doors, hundreds of fans gathered at Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam to watch the game on large screens.
The viewing was organized by Simba’s Media and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ally, who led the celebrations as the final whistle confirmed Simba’s advancement.