Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIAN football giants Simba SC and Young Africans SC are gearing up for matches in the CAF Champions League with differing stakes as they aim to leave mark on the continent.
Simba SC have travelled to Angola ahead of their fifth-round group-stage encounter against Petro Atlético, scheduled for this tomorrow.
The team is looking to finish the tournament on a high note after a 2-2 draw against Tunisia’s Esperance at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam dashed their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals.
This marks the first time in seven consecutive CAF Champions League seasons that Simba have failed to progress beyond the group stage. Despite their exit from contention, Simba have redirected focus to domestic glory.
The club struggled to clinch the Tanzanian Premier League title over the past four seasons, and the management is determined to reclaim the championship.
Speaking before departure, Simba’s Media and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ally, emphasised the club’s renewed priorities ahead of the Angola trip.
“Right now, our priority is to secure the Premier League title. This is the trophy we truly need, the one we are hungry for, and where we have the most to prove,” Ally said.
“Focusing on the Premier League now is a strategic decision. While the Champions League offers international recognition, our recent performances have shown that our chance to advance further this season is limited.”
Simba delegation to Angola comprises goalkeepers Djibrilla Kassali and Hussein Abel. Defenders are Shomari Kapombe, David Kameta, Nickson Kibabage, Anthony Mligo, Rushine De Reuck, Ismael Toure and Vedastus Masinde.
Midfielders in the trip are Yusuph Kagoma, Libasse Gueye, Allasane Kante, Kibu Denis, Clatous Chama, Anicet Oura, Naby Camara, Hussein Semfuko, Morice Abraham, Inno Loemba, Elie Mpanzu and Neo Maema. The delegation also comprises strikers Seleman Mwalimu and Jonathan Sowah.
Simba are set to take on Angola’s Petro Atlético on Saturday. Meanwhile, Yanga SC are preparing for a high-stake fifth-round clash against Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat.
The match, set for Saturday as well, comes after Yanga’s 1-0 victory over the Moroccan side in the first-leg encounter at the New Amaan Complex in Unguja, Zanzibar, thanks to striker Prince Dube’s decisive goal.
With five points from four groupstage matches, Yanga are in a strong position to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The team has so far drawn 1-1 with former African champions Al Ahly at home and held JS Kabylie to a draw away.
Yanga’s Media and Communications Manager Ally Kamwe confirmed that the squad departed for Morocco to prepare for the crucial encounter.
“This match against AS FAR Rabat is more than just a fixture; it is a defining moment. A win brings us closer to the quarter-finals, boosts morale, and demonstrates the resilience, focus and ambition of Yanga SC,” he said.
