In the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC defeated South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC 1-0 in a fiercely contested match on Sunday in Zanzibar.

At the Amaan Stadium on Sunday, Jean Ahoua’s beautifully executed free-kick shortly before halftime proved to be the game-winning goal.

The Ivorian defender fired low into the corner after a previous foul was overturned by a VAR review.

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It completed a performance in the first half where Simba appeared more focused and calm when in possession.

Simba has a slight advantage heading into the return leg in South Africa, but Stellenbosch, who are competing in their first CAF competition, will be encouraged by their strong performance and the close score.

After eliminating defending champions Zamalek in a dramatic quarterfinal, Stellenbosch came into the match with a lot of confidence.

However, they discovered that Simba faced a distinct kind of challenge—one that was more aggressive, physical, and supported by a raucous home audience.

With Steven Mukwala and Elie Mpanzu posing a continual danger, Simba consistently produced the better opportunities. Oscarine Masuluke, the goalie for Stellenbosch, had to make several saves due to Mpanzu, while Mukwala’s movement created room for midfield runners and overlapping fullbacks.

Devin Titus’ strong header in the 27th minute gave the visitors their best chance, but Simba keeper Ally Salim made a quick save.

Late in the game, Stellenbosch came very close to tying the score, but Fawaaz Basadien’s speculative effort in extra time went wide.

Due to injuries and substitutions, the game became heated in the second half, with both teams receiving bookings and having no rhythm.

Steve Barker, the manager of Stellenbosch, added new legs, such as Genino Palace and Langelihle Phili, but they were unable to overcome Simba’s small frame.

Simba, under the guidance of South African coach Fadlu Davids, will be happy with the home victory and clean sheet, but they are aware that the work is not yet finished.

In the Western Cape, where Stellenbosch has already shown they can upset titans, they now have to get ready for a potentially unfriendly second leg.

The scenario is set for a dramatic finish in South Africa, where a spot in the final is on the line.