Benny strike earns Petro valuable away win against Simba to go top in Group D
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Petro Atlético began their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group campaign in perfect fashion after earning a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Simba SC in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, a result that sends the Angolan giants to the top of Group D after Espérance and Stade Malien played out a goalless draw in Tunis.
In a tight contest defined by fine margins, Simba controlled large spells of possession in the first half but struggled to turn their territorial dominance into clear chances.
Petro remained disciplined and compact, relying on quick transitions while absorbing Simba’s pressure.
The hosts’ frustrations grew when Kinito picked up a booking early on, signalling the physical edge that would colour much of the contest.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute.
After a series of substitutions aimed at injecting fresh rhythm into the Angolan attack, Benny—introduced shortly before—steered home the only goal of the match, finishing from close range following a clever build-up involving Tiago Reis.
It was a clinical reminder of Petro’s experience in navigating away fixtures on the continent.
Simba introduced several changes in a flurry of second-half changes, but none could break down Petro’s increasingly resolute defensive block.
The visitors managed the closing stages expertly, slowing the tempo and frustrating Simba, whose late efforts came to nothing.
Petro’s victory, combined with the stalemate in Tunis, places them in a commanding early position in Group D.
With three points and an away win already secured, they take the early initiative ahead of upcoming clashes that are expected to shape one of the group stage’s most competitive sections.
For Simba, it is an early setback, but with five matches still to play, their qualification hopes remain firmly alive.
