Oliveira positive despite AFL exit as Simba eye domestic glory

Simba will take lessons from their maiden African Football League (AFL) run into the new domestic season after bowing out to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, coach Roberto Oliveira has said.

The Tanzanian side lost their quarter-final tie 3-3 on away goals after a 2-2 first leg draw and 1-1 second leg result against the African heavyweights.

And while disappointed not to progress further, Oliveira insisted competing with the continent's elite will aid Simba.

"Our opponent is the biggest team in Africa and it was never easy. We played 2-2 at home and 1-1 away and for me that is not bad," Oliveira said.

"I am very pleased with how we played especially in the second leg in Cairo. We did very well especially in midfield and we scored a goal which was huge."

With the Premier League season kicking off imminently, Oliveira is keen to capitalise on the momentum built at the AFL.

"We picked a lot of positives from the two games. We showed that Simba is a good team in the continent. Now we want to do more, do better and be back again next season," he said.

A trip to face Ihefu FC awaits Simba this weekend as they bid to retain their domestic crown before another crack at the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

After matching Al Ahly, the most successful club in African football history, Simba and Oliveira are brimming with belief.

By competing among Africa's elite sides in the AFL, the Tanzanian champions have only elevated their ambitions for future glory.