Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Keletso Makgalwa continued his impressive form in the CAF Champions League, scoring Simba SC’s fourth goal in a commanding 6-1 away victory over Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie on Wednesday . The result puts the Tanzanian giants firmly on course for a place in the group stage, with a five-goal cushion heading into the return fixture.

Simba broke the deadlock through Nathaniel Chilambo in the 43rd minute, taking a slender lead into half-time before unleashing a devastating second-half display . Elie Mpanzu doubled the advantage in the 56th, and Ibrahim Doumbia added a third in the 65th before Makgalwa extended the lead to 4-0 in the 72nd minute . Anicet Oura made it five in the 82nd, and Doumbia completed his brace six minutes later to cap a ruthless attacking performance that produced five goals in just 32 minutes .

For Makgalwa, the strike marked his second goal in as many matches for Simba, underlining his growing influence since moving north . The 29-year-old, who came through the ranks at Sundowns and previously featured for Sekhukhune United, is thriving as a key figure in Steve Barker’s ambitious side . His well-taken finish on Wednesday drew praise from observers who still remember his development at Chloorkop, with one outlet declaring the “Sundowns product on fire” .

The result leaves 15 de Agosto facing a daunting assignment in the return leg, having conceded six goals on home soil . For Simba, the performance sent a clear statement of intent as they pursue a return to the group stage after falling short in last season’s campaign. With Barker at the helm and former PSL players like Makgalwa and Oura contributing goals, the Tanzanian club appears to be building serious momentum on the continental stage .

Simba will now return home with total control of the tie, knowing that a place in Africa’s premier club competition is firmly within reach . For Makgalwa, the focus will be on maintaining his scoring touch as the return leg approaches, with the midfielder eager to add to his growing haul in Simba colours .

Source https://x.com/A_B_Ditlhobolo/status/2112908759261393055