One of Tanzania's representatives in the CAF Champions League (CAFCL), Simba SC, will begin their quest for a place in the group stage with a preliminary-round clash against Malawi's Mighty Wanderers.
The draw marks the beginning of an important continental campaign for the Msimbazi Reds, who this season did not receive a bye into the first round of the competition.
The first leg is scheduled to be played in Malawi between September 4 and 6, 2026. Simba will have the advantage of hosting the return leg at Uhuru Stadium or the New Amaan Complex between September 11 and 13.
The winner on aggregate will advance to the second qualifying round (Round of 32), with those matches set to be played in October for a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
If Simba overcome Mighty Wanderers, they will face the winner of the tie between Primeiro de Agosto and Fomboni FC in the second qualifying round.
Despite not being one of the continent's biggest names, Mighty Wanderers, popularly known as "The Nomads," should not be underestimated. The Malawian champions are returning to continental competition after several seasons away.
Football in Malawi has continued to improve, and encounters between clubs from the CECAFA and COSAFA regions are often fiercely contested due to the familiarity between the teams.
Simba will need to rely on their vast continental experience to avoid an early upset in Blantyre before completing the job at home in the return leg.
The club's ambitions for the new season have been evident through significant investment and squad improvements, which began during last season's mid-season transfer window.
Simba are targeting a return to the CAF Champions League group stage, a level they have regularly reached in recent years, with quarter-final appearances becoming a familiar achievement. After falling short of expectations in last season's group stage, the Tanzanian giants will be aiming to progress even further in this year's competition.
