A 54th-minute strike from Clatous Chama was enough as Simba FC shocked Plateau United 1-0 at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.
The CAF Champions League preliminary first leg encounter came into life as early as the 14th minute as Denis Nya’s header was well saved by Aisha Manila in goal for Simba FC.
The combination of Oche Ochewechi, Uche Onuasonya, and Isah Ndala gave Simba a headache in the entertaining encounter.
Onuasonya was a bright spark with some deft touches and wicked deliveries for the Lalong Boys.
In the 16th minute, Plateau United hit the bar twice in quick succession.
First from Dennis Nya before Umar Abba’s acrobatic kick rattled the cross bar.
Simba gradually grew into the game and they came close through captain John Bocco.
Plateau United continued their dominance but lacked the cutting edge. Profligacy became the order of the day as they continued to miss glaring chances.
The first half of the tie ended goalless with Sunday Adetunji and Abba Umar guilty of missing glaring opportunities.
Simba made Plateau United pay for their misses as Clatous Chama was on hand to tap home from a goalmouth scramble.
Plateau United kept on asking the questions but Simba were resolute and kept the Lalong boys at bay as the game came to an end.
The second leg would take place at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium (Dar-es-Salaam) on December 5.
