Malian champions Stade Malien strengthened their position as serious contenders in Group B of the CAF Champions League after a 2-1 home win over Tanzania’s Simba SC on Sunday.
Two first-half goals proved enough for Les Blancs to follow up their opening draw against Esperance de Tunis with a victory over the Dar es Salaam giants at Stade du 26 Mars.
Simba started brightly and nearly took the lead within 30 seconds when Elie Mpanzu’s curling shot rattled the post. However, the hosts took control in the 15th minute.
A cross from Ousmane “Kalaba” Coulibaly was nodded down by captain Mamadou Traoré for Taddeus Nkeng to convert from close range.
The lead doubled in the 23rd minute as Ismaila Simpara met an Abdoul Bode corner with a precise flick header, beating goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman.
Simba pulled one back early in the second half through a spectacular long-range strike by Neo Maema, giving them hope. Nkeng later had a chance to extend Stade Malien’s lead from the penalty spot, but Suleiman made a crucial save.
The match effectively ended for Simba in the 75th minute when substitute Alassane Kanté received a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity against Zoumana Simpara.
With the win, Stade Malien sit joint-top of Group D with Angola’s Petro de Luanda on four points. They will now turn their attention to domestic fixtures before hosting Petro in late January.
Simba, still searching for their first point, will travel to Tunis to face group favorites Esperance.