CAFCL: Espérance fight back to hold Simba

Espérance de Tunis (EST) came from behind to force a 2–2 Group D draw against Simba on matchday four of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL). The Tanzanian side looked comfortable with a 2–0 lead at half-time, but a lack of concentration and defensive errors helped the Tunisian giants come away from the tie with a point.

Simba were desperate for their first win of the current Champions League campaign after three losses in a row. The slow tempo match allowed both sides to close down space along their goal lines. The first half saw dominance from the hosts, but chance creation was lacking until the 39th minute.

Veteran right-back Shomari Kapombe broke the deadlock for Simba with a header. EST goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said and left-back Nidhal Laifi made unsuccessful attempts to block the effort. Before the half-time whistle was blown, Yusuph Kagoma doubled the lead with a diving header.

EST head coach Maher Kanzari introduced Algerian winger Kouceila Boualia as a second-half substitute, and the move paid off. Taraji showed intent to play more offensive football in the second half, with the hosts opting to protect their lead.

First-half hero Kapombe miscalculated his back pass as Aboubacar Diakite rounded goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja to pull one back for the visitors in the 64th minute. Elie Mpanzu almost made it three goals for the Tanzanian club with a low drive that rattled the bar in the 76th minute.

Three minutes later, Boualia scored an absolute stunner to level matters with a fantastic strike. EST almost had the chance to seal the win in the dying moments of the tie, but Hamza Jelassi missed a penalty kick as both sides settled for a draw.

It finishes level. Four goals, no winner between Simba SC and ES Tunis. 🤝#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/NyCxkOegkD

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 1, 2026

Esperance are second in Group D with six points, while Simba are bottom with a single point.

CAFCL Group D Table