DR Congo’s AS Vita Club were no match for a dominant performance from CAF Champions League Group A leaders Simba SC as the Tanzanian side roared to a 4-1 victory in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Simba have the top spot in the group locked up, moving beyond the reach of second place team Al Ahly to clinch advancement to the quarter-finals. AS Vita Club are now eliminated from contention for a spot in the knockout round.
The match was open with plenty of opportunities as Simba attacked relentlessly and the visitors needed a win. The home side’s attacking trio of Clatous Chama, Luis Miquissone and Bernard Morrison made regular forays into the Vita Club third with little resistance and it was only a matter of time before the opener came for Simba. In the 30th minute Morrison drove down the left side of Vita Club penalty area before cutting back to Miquissone to lash his effort into the top corner with authority.
Simba’s lead was short-lived as the visitors from Kinshasa showed heart to punch right back. Zemanga Soze collected a pass well on the edge of Simba’s penalty box to get an excellent shot off his left foot quickly, the strike beating goalkeeper Aishi Manula and going in off the post. That was as good as it got for AS Vita Club, however, as Simba responded with fury and earned another lead just before halftime. Chama did well to win a loose ball in the penalty area, dance his way around a defender and coolly finish past Simon Omossola in goal.
Chama’s goal broke Vita Club’s resistance and the second half featured more of Simba’s rampaging style of attacking play. The Zambian playmaker was involved in the third goal as well when he spotted countryman Larry Bwalya and set him up for a first time shot that left Omossola fixed to his spot. Finally, the domination was completed by the Player of the Match when Chama delivered another composed penalty area finish to make it four for the hosts.
Highlights of the match are below.
