Simba SC took down Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs with an impressive 3–0 win in the CAF Champions League preliminary round. The team looked sharp and in control, showing they’re getting back into their groove under new coach Dimitar Pantev.
Right from the start at the Mavuso Sports Centre, Simba played confidently, knowing what was on the line. They pressed high, moved the ball well, and controlled the game, while Nsingizini struggled to keep up with their physical play and tactical discipline.
The first half was lively, with both teams eager to score, but neither could finish. Simba, however, coordinated nicely, with Neo Maema and Ellie Mpanzu linking up well between the midfield and attack.
Their first big chance came in the 17th minute when Mpanzu’s free-kick required a solid save from Nsingizini’s keeper, Khanyakweze Shabalala. Simba continued to apply pressure, and the hosts couldn’t manage a single shot on target before halftime, highlighting Simba’s strong defense.
As the first half drew to a close, Simba finally got the breakthrough in the 45+2 minute when defender Wilson Nangu rose perfectly to head in a corner from Maema, putting them ahead 1–0. This goal was significant, showing that the team was starting to reclaim its winning spirit. They went into the break with 52 percent possession and clearly looked the better side.
In the second half, coach Pantev aimed to finish things off early. He made a bold move by subbing in Ghanaian forward Jonathan Sowah for Seleman Mwalimu, changing the game’s pace instantly. Sowah’s movement created more space for Kibu Denis and Jean Charles Ahoua to operate. Simba kept the pressure on, and as Nsingizini struggled, it became clear that Simba was hungry for more goals.
In the 78th minute, Pantev made more substitutions, bringing in Kibu Denis, Yusuf Kagoma, and Morris Abraham to replace Maema, Ahoua, and Mutale. These fresh legs made an immediate impact. Kibu Denis showed off his skills a few minutes later, scoring in the 84th minute after making a smooth turn from a great pass by Sowah. He made it 2–0 with a clinical finish.
But Simba wasn’t done yet! As Nsingizini pushed for a goal, they left gaps in their defense. Kibu found the net again in the 90th minute with a calm finish from a Morris Abraham assist, sealing the game at 3–0. This was a fantastic counterattack and really underscored Simba’s depth, discipline, and killer instinct on the field.
This win wasn’t just another notch on their belt; it was a strong reminder of their dominance in Southern Africa. Last time they played in Eswatini in 2018, they had a 4–0 win against Mbabane Swallows, and they repeated that success this time around. With this 3–0 victory, Simba heads into the return leg in Dar es Salaam with a solid advantage.