Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas had a rude welcome in Dar es Salaam falling 3-1 to Simba Sports Club in a Group D opener of the 2021/2022 CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday afternoon.
Simba had an early chance in the third minute to go ahead after Meddie Kagere beat his marker on the byline and played a cut-back but Cisse Karim guided his first-time strike wide.
Peter Banda’s shot then deflected just wide before Mimosas responded as Ki Aziz’s effort was well saved by Simba shot-stopper Aisha Manula after being played in by Kramo Aubin.
The hosts grabbed the lead in the 12th minute after Pape Sakho drove an overhead kick inside the net after a wonderful cross from Jonas Mkunde.
Kagere had another chance for the Msimbazi just before the half-hour mark after breaking away at the near post but his close-range strike was saved by Karim with his legs.
Mimosas got into the game in the closing phase of the first stanza but they could not create clear chances, with the likes of Karim Kanote and Ki kept quite.
The match was opening up in the early stages of the second stanza, with Baroka putting more pressure and they were rewarded on the hour mark when Ki intercepted a Joash Onyango’s pass before sending a shot past Manula.
Simba restored their lead on the 79th minute when second half substitute Shomari Kaponde scored from the spot after Mimosas custodian Karim brought down Bwalya inside the area.
With time running out,Peter Banda placed his name on the score sheet for Simba with a wonderful volley at the back post from John Bocco’s perfect cross.
