Horoya AC earned maximum points from their 2022-23 CAF Champions League Group C opener on Saturday, defeating Tanzania’s Simba SC by a score of 1-0 in Conakry to leave the Guinean champions at the top of the group with Morocco’s Raja CA. Pape Ndiaye headed in Amadou Wonkoye’s 18th minute corner kick for a goal that stood as the winner against a Simba team who somehow failed to find an equalizer in the late stages. Horoya will travel to Uganda for a clash against Vipers SC next week while Simba get ready to host Raja in Dar es Salaam.
An energetic start from the hosts had Simba on the back foot throughout the first half. Simba goalkeeper Aishi Manula was forced into action in the 15th minute, doing very well to tip over a header from Horoya center back Mohamed Lamine Fofana following a corner kick. Another corner kick opportunity three minutes later went much better for Horoya as Wonkoye’s delivery was precise to the far post for Ndiaye to beat Manula at his near post with a firm header.
Horoya nearly doubled their lead just before halftime but Daouda Camara put his shot off the post and wide from a cross by right back Issaka Samaké. Soon after the break Wonkoye had a golden chance to double Horoya’s lead but sent his header wide after Alseny Soumah’s cross from the left wing was deflected high to the far post.
Simba started to gain control in the final twenty minutes after Manula kept the visitors in the match with a save on Ndiaye’s 72nd minute penalty kick, awarded following a handball against Simba center back Joash Onyango. However a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Horoya’s Moussa Camara preserved the victory for the hosts.
Camara was quick off his line to disrupt Simba captain John Bocco in the 80th minute, who failed to convert an excellent chance after being sent in on goal by a Dennis Kibu cross. Camara then reacted quickly to save an 82nd minute bouncing header from Simba midfielder Sadio Kanouté which appeared to surely be going into the goal. It was a frustrating outing from Simba and a good result for Horoya and their ambitions of reaching the knockout stages.
Highlights from the duel in Conakry are below.