CAFCL: Espérance edge Simba for first win in Group D

Espérance de Tunis registered their first win of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League (CAFCL) Group D campaign following their 1-0 victory over Simba. The Tunisian giants capitalized on the poor continental run of their Tanzanian visitors.

The game kicked off in Tunis with both sides failing to settle early. Simba were better in possession but lacked ideas going forward. Espérance opted to press hard and use the space behind the visitors’ defense.

Burkinabe winger Jack Diarra broke the deadlock with a brilliant run after a long ball from Mohamed Ben Hamida. Diarra beat right back Shomari Kapombe to put it past Nigerian keeper Mahamadou Tanja in the 21st minute. Aboubacar Diakité came closest to doubling the lead, but his effort was cleared off the line by Rushine De Reuck.

Following the resumption, Simba looked the better side in terms of possession. Nonetheless, chances were limited at both ends. Chance creation was Simba’s main problem in the second half, although they enjoyed much possession.

The half’s best opportunity was presented to the home side in the 77th minute. Veteran midfielder Hamza Jelassi missed a superb ball from Kouceila Boualia. New signing Hamza Rafia almost found his Champions League debut goal but was denied by an alert Tanja deep into the stoppage time.

Diarra’s strike secure all 3 points for ES Tunis! 🔥 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/XQgW9v94TF

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) January 24, 2026

Espérance temporarily lead Group D with five points after three matchdays. Simba are bottom with zero points. Both teams will lock horns on matchday four in Dar es Salaam on February 1st.

CAFCL Group D Table