Tanzanian giants Simba SC made a flying start to their CAF Champions League campaign after hammering Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini 3–0 in the first-leg clash played today in Eswatini.
Simba took control of the game early, dominating possession and pressing their opponents high up the pitch.
Their persistence paid off in the first-half stoppage time (45+1 minute) when Wilson Nangu broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Simba maintain their attacking rhythm, constantly threatening Nsingizini’s defense.
The hosts tried to respond with a few counterattacks, but Simba’s goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman stood firm, producing key saves to keep the clean sheet intact.
Nsingizini nearly pulled one back in the 78th minute, but their close-range attempt drifted wide, much to the relief of Simba fans.
Sensing an opportunity to kill off the game, Simba intensified their attacks and were rewarded in the 82nd minute when Kibu Denis doubled the lead with a smart strike.
The in-form forward then sealed the win in stoppage time (90+1 minute), scoring his second of the match to complete a dominant 3–0 victory for the visitors.
The result gives Simba a huge advantage heading into the return leg in Dar es Salaam, where they will look to finish the job and advance to the next round of Africa’s elite club competition.
For their outstanding performance, Simba earned TZS15 million under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s “Goal of Mama” initiative, which rewards Tanzanian clubs for excelling in international competitions.
Meanwhile, in the CAF Confederation Cup, Singida Black Stars fought hard to secure a 1–1 draw against Flambeau du Centre in Burundi.
The Tanzanian side will hope to capitalize on home advantage in the return leg to progress to the next stage.