Tanzania's Simba progress; Kenya's Police FC advance on away goals despite home defeat

DAR ES SALAAM,  Tanzania 

Simba SC of Tanzania and Kenya Police FC both sealed their places in the Second Preliminary Round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Sunday, though in very different fashion.

Simba were held 1–1 by Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam but progressed 2–1 on aggregate. Kenya Police, meanwhile, lost 2–0 at home to Mogadishu City, leaving the tie locked at 3–3 over two legs, but advanced thanks to the away-goals rule after their 3–1 first-leg victory in Somalia.

Jean Carlos Ahoua opened the scoring for Simba two minutes before half-time to double their aggregate cushion, but the visitors hit back when Lesego Ditsele converted a penalty midway through the second half.

Despite late pressure, Gaborone could not find the second goal needed to force extra time.

Simba remain on course for a return to the group stages, with their pedigree making them one of East Africa’s strongest contenders.

In Nairobi, Police endured a tense evening after Marsis struck in the 33rd minute to give Mogadishu City hope. 

Ibrahim Bangura’s penalty ten minutes after the break set up a dramatic finale, but Police FC held on to ensure progression on away goals.

Kenya Police advance to the second preliminary round for the first time in their history, where they will face either Jamus FC of South Sudan or Sudanese giants Al Hilal.