Simba SC’s new midfielder, Inno Loemba, made a strong start to life at the club after delivering an impressive performance in the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) clash against Petro Atletico, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Angola.
Simba went into the Matchday Five Group D fixture having already lost hope of reaching the quarter-finals, meaning they were playing for pride and to restore confidence among their supporters.
In the first half, the Msimbazi Reds were far from their best. They struggled to organize their attacks and allowed Petro Atletico to dominate large spells of possession. However, the game changed in the second half after head coach Steve Barker made key substitutions.
Barker introduced Annicet Oura, Inno Loemba, and Suleiman Mwalimu — changes that injected new energy into the team. Simba looked more solid in midfield, played with greater confidence, and created more structured attacking moves.
Loemba, featuring in his first match since joining Simba, displayed composure and creativity in midfield. Partnering with Clatous Chama and Yusuph Kagoma, he helped the team retain possession and build attacks more effectively.
It was Loemba who initiated the move that led to the equalizer, delivering a penetrating pass to Oura. Oura then laid the ball off to Suleiman Mwalimu on the right flank, whose cross resulted in Simba’s crucial goal.
Overall, Simba’s second-half display was far superior to their opening 45 minutes. The draw has boosted the team’s morale ahead of their final group-stage match against Stade Malien.
For Loemba, the promising start offers great hope to Simba fans that he could be the right addition in midfield. For Barker, the match may have opened a new chapter in how he sets up his team in future fixtures.
