LOBAMBA– Torrential rain could not stop continental football fever at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, as Eswatini’s Nsingizini FC faced Tanzanian giants Simba SC in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. Despite the spirited support from home fans, Nsingizini fell 3–0 to the vastly experienced visitors in a match that tested skill, discipline, and stamina under slippery conditions.
The encounter, played on a wet artificial pitch, was tense from the start. Nsingizini coach Mandla Dlamini set up his side in a defensive 5-4-1 formation, aiming to frustrate Simba’s potent attack and avoid conceding an away goal. Goalkeeper Shabala commanded from the back, with captain Nisela marshalling the midfield and Joel Mondo as the lone striker up front. The plan was to keep compact, absorb pressure, and counter when possible.
Simba, on the other hand, came prepared for battle. Under new Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev, who was making his official debut after joining the club just two weeks ago, the Tanzanian champions lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Pantev’s men looked comfortable in possession despite the weather, with Zambian winger Mutale and skipper Kapombe driving the attack. Pantev brushed aside concerns about the tight schedule, saying that pressure “comes with the job” for a club of Simba’s stature.
The first half saw Simba pressing high, forcing the hosts to stay deep in their half. The slippery surface made ball control tricky, leading to nervy clearances and fouls from Nsingizini’s backline. Mutale’s free role created several openings, testing Shabala’s alertness in goal. The deadlock was broken just before halftime when W. Nangu slotted home in stoppage time, punishing a lapse in concentration from the home defence.
The second half started with more urgency from Nsingizini, who pushed forward through Gadilla’s run down the right, only for his shot to sail wide. The home side struggled to link passes in the final third as Simba maintained control of midfield. With fifteen minutes left, J. Sowah doubled Simba’s lead, finishing a swift counter-attack that exposed gaps in Nsingizini’s defence. The final blow came in injury time, when D. Kibu capitalised on another defensive mix-up to make it 3–0.
Despite the cold and heavy downpour, a small but lively crowd turned up at Somhlolo. Some Tanzanian fans were visible among the spectators, having travelled to support their team, reflecting Simba’s huge following across the region.
Sunday’s result leaves Nsingizini with a steep mountain to climb ahead of the second leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam next week. The Eswatini side must overturn a three-goal deficit to progress to the group stages, a feat that would mark their first-ever qualification at that level.
For Simba, who boast 22 Tanzanian league titles, 12 CAF Champions League appearances, and a recent Confederation Cup final, the win was business as usual. For Nsingizini, who made their continental debut only last season, the night was a tough but valuable lesson in the realities of African top-flight football.
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