Espérance de Tunis secured their first victory of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League Group D campaign after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Simba SC in Tunis.
The result marked a rare bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent continental run for the Tunisian side, while Simba remain without a point after three matchdays.
The match began with both teams struggling to find rhythm. Simba controlled possession early on but struggled to create meaningful chances, while Espérance relied on intense pressing and quick transitions to exploit space behind the visitors’ defence.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Burkinabe winger Jack Diarra capitalised on a long pass from Mohamed Ben Hamida.
Diarra raced past right-back Shomari Kapombe and finished confidently past Nigerian goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja to put the home side ahead.
Espérance nearly doubled their lead soon after, but Aboubacar Diakité’s shot was cleared off the line by Rushine De Reuck.
After the break, Simba improved their possession but remained blunt in the final third. Opportunities were scarce for both sides, with Simba’s main challenge being a lack of creativity to unlock Espérance’s defence.
The best chance of the second half fell to the hosts in the 77th minute, when veteran midfielder Hamza Jelassi failed to connect with a promising cross from Kouceila Boualia.
Later, new signing Hamza Rafia nearly marked his Champions League debut with a goal, but Tanja produced a crucial save deep into stoppage time.
The win lifts Espérance temporarily to the top of Group D with five points from three matches, while Simba sit at the bottom with no points.
The two teams will meet again on matchday four in Dar es Salaam at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Friday, January 30, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM UTC.
