Steve Barker's Simba claim crucial win in CAFCL

06.09.26 FT CAF Champions League

Mighty Wanderers

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Simba SC

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Stever Barker saw his Simba SC troops claim a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mighty Wanderers in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.

The Tanzanian giants were given a run for their money as the Malawian champions held firm for a deadlocked scoreline at the half-time interval at Bingu National Stadium.

Simba, however, eventually opened the scoring in the 68th minute as former Stellenbosch FC midfielder Anicet Oura calmly converted from the penalty spot.

Barker's men, as a result, return to Tanzania with a crucial away goal ahead of the second meeting of the two-legged tie in East Africa at the weekend.

Wanderers, who won their first league title since 2017 last season, will have to score one unanswered goal in Tanzania to salvage the tie or two goals to emerge victorious.

Notably, the winner of the match will face 15 De Agosto of Equatorial Guinea or Comoros' Fomboni FC de Moheli in the second preliminary round.

Appointed in December 2025, Barker has been tasked with mounting a deep run in the CAF Champions League, as Simba frequently crash out in the group stages.

Whether the South African tactician will achieve the mandate set by the club's hierarchy remains to be seen, with the 2026/27 season gathering momentum.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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