THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the date and kick-off time for Simba SC’s opening match of the CAF Champions League group stage against Petro Atletico de Luanda of Angola.

According to the fixture released by CAF, the much-anticipated encounter will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. local time. 

The match will mark the beginning of Simba’s campaign in this season’s prestigious continental competition as they seek to make a strong start in front of their home fans.

While Simba begin their campaign in Dar es Salaam, their arch-rivals Young Africans SC (Yanga) will also be in action on the same day but at an earlier time - 4:00 p.m. -  when they face AS FAR of Morocco at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.  

The two Tanzanian giants, who both reached the knockout stages in last season’s continental competitions, are once again representing the nation in Africa’s top-tier club football.

Simba have already entered a special camp to prepare for the crucial fixture against Petro Atletico. The club’s technical bench, led by the head coach, has emphasized the importance of starting the group stage with a victory, especially since the team will be playing in front of their passionate supporters.

Following a short break after domestic league action, the Msimbazi Reds resumed training on Wednesday at their Bunju Complex grounds. The return to training signals the beginning of their focused preparations for the CAF Champions League challenge ahead.

Although other Tanzanian representatives - Young Africans, Azam FC, and Singida Black Stars - will host their home matches at the  New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, Simba will remain based at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, their traditional home ground. 

The club believes that playing in Dar es Salaam gives them a competitive edge due to the strong support of their loyal fan base.

Simba’s media and communication manager, Ahmed Ali (pictured), confirmed that the players who were not engaged in national team duties have already reported back to camp to begin full training sessions under the guidance of the technical team.

“Players who were not called up for international matches have started official training today. The technical bench is ensuring the team is physically and mentally ready for the Petro Atletico game,” said Ali.

However, seven Simba players are currently away on international duty with their respective national teams for FIFA calendar matches. The players include Yacoub Suleiman, Shomari Kapombe, Wilson Nangu, Morice Abraham, and Suleiman Mwalimu, who are representing Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, while Steven Mukwala is with Uganda’s Cranes and Naby Camara with the Guinea national team.

The club expects all the international players to rejoin the camp as soon as their national assignments conclude, giving the coaching staff ample time to finalize tactical and physical preparations before the group stage opener.

As anticipation builds, Simba fans are expected to fill the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to capacity for the clash against Petro Atletico. The fixture is being described as an early test for Simba, who are aiming not just to qualify for the quarter-finals but to go even further in this year’s tournament.

The club’s management has urged supporters to come out in large numbers to cheer the team and create an electrifying atmosphere that will boost the players’ morale. Over the years, Simba’s passionate fan base has been instrumental in motivating the team during crucial continental fixtures.

Simba have established themselves as one of the most consistent African clubs in recent seasons, reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League multiple times and continuing to challenge for supremacy in both domestic and continental competitions.

With a blend of experienced players and new signings, the team is determined to make a strong statement in Group Stage action, starting with a win over Petro Atletico.