Simba SC’s notable international achievements Simba SC has a significant history in CAF competitions, being described as the leading Tanzanian team in these tournaments since the country began participating in 1969.
Semi-finals of the African Cup of Champions Clubs (now CAF Champions League) in 1974: This is highlighted as a major record for the club internationally. Simba defeated Linare of Lesotho in the first round (8-2 on aggregate), Green Buffaloes of Zambia in the second round (9-0 on aggregate), and Accra Hearts of Oak of Ghana in the quarter-finals (2-1 on aggregate).
They were eliminated in the semi-finals by Ghazl El Mahalla Sporting Club (El Mahalla) of Egypt on penalties (3-0) after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. Finals of the CAF Cup in 1993: Simba reached the final of the CAF Cup. On their way to the final, they eliminated Ferroviario de Maputo of Mozambique on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate score, Manzini Wanderers of Swaziland (now Eswatini) 2-0 on aggregate in the second round, USM El Harrach of Algeria 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, and Atletico Sport Aviacao of Angola 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. They lost in the final to Stella Abidjan of Ivory Coast.
Quarter-finals of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1994: The season after reaching the CAF Cup final, Simba participated in the African Cup of Champions Clubs and reached the quarter-finals. They defeated Al Merrikh of Sudan 2-0 on aggregate in the first round and BTM Antananarivo of Madagascar 1-0 on aggregate in the second round. They were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Nkana Red Devils of Zambia, losing 4-3 on aggregate after winning 2-0 at home and losing 4-1 away.
Reaching the Group Stage and Eliminating Defending Champions in 2003: In 2003, Simba reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League, equaling a record held by Yanga. On their path, they eliminated BDF XI of Botswana 4-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round and Santos of South Africa 9-8 on penalties after two goalless draws in the first round. In the second round, they eliminated the defending champions, Zamalek of Egypt, 3-2 on penalties after each team won their home leg 1-0.
Strong Home Record Against North African Teams: Simba has a notable record of not having lost to any team from North Africa at home in CAF competitions. They have defeated prominent North African clubs such as Al Ahly, Mehalla Kubra, Zamalek, Ismaily, El Mokawloon, El Merrikh, and El Harach at their home ground. However, their away record against North African teams is described as challenging, with few draws and many losses, including a recent 5-0 defeat to Al Ahly in 2018.
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