Petro Atlético opened their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a statement victory after defeating Simba SC 1-0 in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. The result lifts the Angolan side to the top of Group D following the goalless draw between Espérance and Stade Malien in Tunis.
Simba controlled much of the early possession but failed to convert their dominance into meaningful chances. Petro stayed disciplined throughout, maintaining a compact shape and relying on swift transitions to unsettle the Tanzanian hosts. The match carried a physical tone from the outset, highlighted by Kinito’s early booking.
The breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute. Moments after coming on, Benny finished from close range after a well-worked move involving Tiago Reis, giving Petro the advantage their patience deserved. The visitors then managed the closing stages with maturity, slowing the tempo and denying Simba any real opportunity to respond.
Despite a flurry of second-half substitutions from Simba, Petro’s defensive organisation held firm. Their experience on the continent showed as they protected their lead until the final whistle.
With this valuable away win, Petro take early control of Group D. Simba will see this as a setback, but with five matches remaining, their hopes of progressing still remain intact.
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