Angolan club champions Petro de Luanda suffered a massive blow to their CAF Champions League hopes on Saturday after conceding late at home to draw with the eliminated Tanzanian side Simba SC 1-1 in their Group D clash.
Pedro Pinto marked a triumphant return to the club after the Portuguese center back, just back from a brief spell in Azerbaijan, headed in a free kick service from countryman Bernardo Dias “Benny” in the 13th minute for the hosts.
However, even with Simba captain Shomari Kapombe being sent off with a second yellow card before halftime to leave the hosts with a numerical advantage, the Tanzanian giants fought back with a late equalizer through an Ivorian international Anicet Oura signed from IF Gnistan a team that features in the Veikkausliiga, the first tier of the Finnish league system.
Now two points back of Group D leaders Stade Malien and level with Espérance on six points in second place, the club from the Angolan capital will likely have to win next weekend when they face the Tunisian giants at their home venue.
Simba will close up their campaign at home against Stade Malien, who are now officially qualified to the quarterfinals before they host Espérance on Sunday.
