A PENALTY from Jean Charles Ahoua secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Simba SC against Angola’s Bravos do Maquis in a CAF Confederation Cup Group A clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium yesterday.

Ahoua calmly converted from the spot in the 26th minute after defender Samuel Bengue was penalized for handling the ball in the box. 

Libyan referee Mutaz Ibrahim wasted no time in pointing to the spot, giving Simba the decisive breakthrough.

The victory handed Simba three vital points in a group that also includes Algeria’s Constantine and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, setting the tone for their continental campaign.

Simba began the match on the front foot, pushing for an early goal to assert their dominance. Midfielder Ahoua came close in the 9th minute with a low drive from outside the box, narrowly missing the target. Moments later, he fired another attempt over the crossbar, signaling Simba's attacking intent.

Bravos do Maquis goalkeeper Landu Mavanga was kept busy, producing a crucial save in the 15th minute to deny Kibe Denis from close range. However, Simba's relentless pressure eventually paid off with the penalty converted by Ahoua.

The second half started with drama as Bravos do Maquis were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute after Kibu fouled an opposing player inside the box. 

Emmanuel Edmond stepped up but failed to convert, with Simba’s goalkeeper Moussa Camara making an excellent save to preserve the home side's lead.

Camara continued to be a standout performer, making crucial double saves in the 57th minute to deny Edmond and Domingos Cuxixima from close range.

Despite their spirited attempts, Bravos do Maquis struggled to break down Simba’s organized defense. 

The Angolan side, playing in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time, displayed resilience but lacked the cutting edge needed to secure a historic result.

Simba have made a solid start to their 2024/25 campaign, building on their impressive domestic and continental form. Last season, the Tanzanian giants navigated a tough CAF Champions League group stage before being eliminated by eventual champions Al Ahly in the knockout rounds.

With three points in the bag, Simba are well-positioned in Group A and will look to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures against Constantine and CS Sfaxien.

Bravos do Maquis will take valuable lessons from this encounter as they continue their historic group stage campaign. For Simba, the focus shifts to maintaining their momentum and addressing areas for improvement ahead of tougher tests in the competition.