DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 26 -- SIMBA SCs hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League quarter-finals are hanging by a thread after a 1–0 defeat to Tunisias Esperance on Saturday, leaves the Tanzanian giants at the bottom of Group D with no points after three matches.

While Esperance strengthened their grip on the top spot with five points, Simba face a daunting reality as the group stage reaches its midway point. With three losses from three games, having scored only once and conceded four, the ‘Msimbazi Reds are staring at a premature continental exit.

The standings underline the challenge ahead. Esperance lead Group D with five points from three games, while Petro de Luanda and Stade Malien are level on four points and goal diffe...