DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA stormed into the CAF Champions League group stage after thrashing Equatorial Guinea’s FC 15 de Agosto de Akonibe 3-0 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday, securing a 9-1 aggregate victory.

This puts Tanzania on the verge of having all four of its representatives qualify for the group stages of the CAF inter-club competitions.

The emphatic victory secured Simba’s progression and made them the third Tanzanian side to reach the group stage this season, joining Young Africans (Yanga), who advanced with an 8-1 aggregate victory over CFF Andoharanofotsy and Azam FC, who edged Egypt’s ZED FC 2-1. Only Singida Black Stars remained to complete the Tanzanian quartet.

They faced Kenya’s Tusker FC late yesterday, carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg played away from home. FC 15 de Agosto started on the front foot, pressing Simba high in the opening minutes in search of an early breakthrough. Miguel Obono came close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute, but Simba goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali produced a timely save to deny him.

Simba responded seven minutes later when Morice Abraham picked out Ibrahim Doumbia with a well-timed pass, but Doumbia narrowly missed the target despite reaching the ball in a promising position. The hosts threatened again three minutes later as Libasse Gueye delivered an inviting pass into the path of David Kameta.

His effort, however, was saved by de Agosto goalkeeper Frederic Owono, who kept his side in the contest. The visitors continued to search for an opening and launched a counter-attack in the 43rd minute, with Alozie Uwandu firing from outside the penalty area.

His effort sailed over the crossbar, leaving the teams level at the break. Simba returned from the interval with greater attacking purpose and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Ancient Oura struck the crossbar.

The pressure finally paid off four minutes later. Clatous Chama initiated a well-worked move by finding Keletso Makgalwa, who laid the ball off for Oura to finish and give Simba the lead in the 56th minute. Simba doubled their advantage in the 69th minute through another slick attacking move.

Makgalwa combined with Oura, who then picked out Elie Mpanzu, allowing the forward to finish clinically and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Tanzanian side continued to dominate and added a third goal in the 76th minute. This time, Mpanzu turned provider, setting up Makgalwa, who finished confidently to cap another flowing move and further underline Simba’s superiority.