Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club kick-started their 2018/2019 Total CAF Champions League journey in style.
They humbled Algerian side Saoura 3-0 in their Group D opening encounter to register their first win of the campaign on Saturday afternoon at the Benjamin Mkapa National stadium in Dar-es-saalam.
On form Uganda Cranes Striker Emmanuel Okwi put up a man of the match performance when he opened the scoring before providing two assists which were both converted by substitute Meddie Kagere.
Okwi could have opened his account after just 20 minutes, he perfectly controlled the ball and beat the Saoura defence on the left but he was denied by the woodwork.
The former SC Villa forward’s persistence finally paid off in added time of the first half, breaking through to give the hosts the lead and sending the sea of red into wild celebrations.
Simba bossed the entire first period save for John Bocco, the captain of the day got injured and was replaced by Ugandan born Rwandese striker Meddie Kagere.
After the break, Simba comfortably continued to dominate proceedings, in the 52nd minute Okwi beat the offside trap and laid the ball through for the advancing Kagere who tapped home at close range to double the lead.
Okwi was at it again in the 68th minute running through and passing into space for Kagere, the former Gor Mahia striker made good use of the through pass to seal the deal, chipping the ball past Sauora’s shot stopper.
Okwi’s fellow international Murushid Jjuko partnered Pascal Wawa in the solid Simba defense that left the Saoura attack toothless.
The win takes Simba to top of the standings albeit Al Ahly and AS Vita’s result, the two face off later on Saturday evening, Simba next face AS Vita on match day two of the CAF champions league.
Another Cranes international Joseph Ochaya played 90 minutes as former African champions TP Mazembe defeated Ismaily 2-0 in Lubumbashi.
Match day one results
TP Mazembe 2-0 Ismaily
Platinum 0-0 Orlando Pirates
Simba 3-0 Saoura
Club Africain 0-1 Constantine
Wydad Casablanca 5-2 Asec Mimosas
Horoya 1-1 Esperance
Lobi Star 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
