Mbabane – Tanzania’s football powerhouse, Simba SC, have taken a major step toward reaching the CAF Champions League group stage after a convincing 3–0 victory over Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs in the first leg of the second preliminary round.
The Msimbazi giants, under the guidance of new coach Dimitri Pantev, delivered a dominant performance away from home, combining composure, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing to silence the home crowd.
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Young defender Wilson Nangu opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a well-taken strike — his first goal for the club — giving Simba a vital lead just before half-time. The breakthrough boosted the Tanzanian side’s confidence heading into the second period.
In the second half, Pantev introduced striker Kibu Denis, who made an immediate impact. The forward doubled Simba’s advantage with a composed finish before sealing the victory with his second goal late in the match to make it 3–0.
Despite the scoreline, Nsingizini Hotspurs showed resilience, launching several counterattacks in search of a response, but Simba’s defence, marshalled by captain Henock Inonga and Joash Onyango, stood firm to preserve a clean sheet.
Speaking after the match, coach Pantev expressed delight at his team’s performance but cautioned that the job is not yet done. “We are happy with the result, but this is only the first leg. We must stay focused and finish the work in Dar es Salaam,” he said.
The win gives Simba a comfortable cushion ahead of the return leg scheduled for next Sunday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. A draw or any kind of victory at home will see the Tanzanian giants advance to the prestigious group stage of Africa’s elite club competition.
