CAFCL: Petro de Luanda grab three points at Simba

Angolan champions Petro de Luanda got off to a dream start in Group D of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) with a 1-0 victory at Simba SC in Dar es Salaam.

Petro midfielder Bernardo “Benny” Dias’ deflected effort in the second half was the difference for the visitors, who defended well and took advantage of a Simba team that failed to take their opportunities at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The hosts got off to a strong start and proceeded to take control of the match. However, the Reds struggled to put their shots on target and allowed the visitors from Angola to hang around.

In the second half, Simba’s best opportunity came when Morice Abraham’s pass split the Petro defense to find Elie Mpanzu. The Congolese forward went around goalkeeper Hugo Marques but with an empty net awaiting, put his shot into the side netting.

And not long after, the hosts paid the price in the 78th minute. A clever combination between Benny and forward Tiago Reis created space for the Portuguese midfielder to attempt a shot that took a deflection off defender Rushine De Reuck and left goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman wrong-footed.

Petro take top spot in Group D after the first matchday, which saw Mali’s Stade Malien hold group favorites Esperance de Tunis to a 0-0 draw in Tunisia on Saturday. The Tanzanian runners-up will next travel to face Stade Malien while Petro host Esperance in Luanda for the second matchday next weekend.