CAF Champions League: Simba disrupt Petro de Luanda’s hopes with shock late leveler

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 eliminated 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.

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 Anicet Oura.

The visitors from Dar es Salaam did not secure the result they needed to maintain their faint hopes of qualification to the quarterfinals, but the result is a devastating blow for Petro who now must earn a result when they travel to face Tunis giants Espérance de Tunis.

Eager to boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage, the hosts came out with purpose and created plenty of danger early on. Pinto, a crucial component from past continental campaigns with the Angolan club, displayed his aerial prowess by nodding in after Simba keeper Mahamadou Tanja was left in a poor position following his failure to claim Benny’s free kick.

But the hosts failed to seize the opportunity after Kapombe’s dismissal for a careless second yellow card. Lackadaisical attacking play failed to find another goal to seal the victory and a sharp counter-attack from the visitors resulted in Oura’s 81st minute finish from a right wing cross. Tanja then came up with a massive kick save in the final minutes as the hosts desperately attempted to reclaim the lead.

All square at full time. Atlético Petróleos and Simba SC share the points. 🤝#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/zh4Z1dORUb

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 7, 2026

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.

CAF Champions League: Group D Table