Tanzania giants Simba beat Uganda’s Vipers 1-0 at the St. Mary’s Stadium in the outskirts of Kampala in the East African derby in Group C while Esperance beat Egyptian side Zamalek 2-0 in Rades to remain top of Group D.

In Kampala, Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira had a happy return to his former employers Vipers as he led the Tanzanian giants to victory in his first match since moving to Dar es Salaam in January.

Defender Hennock Inonga scored the winner for Simba in the first half, and you could tell just how much it meant to Simba and their coach, with the Brazilian joining the Congolese international in his celebratory dance.

Zambian Phiri had been the most exciting player for Simba, and he had some chances before the goal. In the eighth minute, he had found space on the right but his shot came off the side netting.

In the 16th minute he played Dennis Kibu through, but the striker’s effort was well collected by the Vipers keeper.

The home side had chances, with Abdu Lumala striking inches wide after a good shot on the half turn. Skipper Milton Karisa forced a good save off Aishi Manula in the 35th minute when he drove a low shot in, but the custodian pushed it away.

The captain however had to be stretchered off injured at the stroke of halftime, and his place taken by Ibrahim Orit.

In the second half, Vipers pushed to try to get into the game, but they couldn’t get it right in the final third. At the stroke of full time, they were almost caught out on the counter, but Clatous Chama, under pressure from Livingstone Mulondo was wide.

With the victory, Simba climb to third in the table with three points while Vipers remain at the base, winless after three matches in their group stage debut.