Simba SC endured a narrow 2-1 defeat to CS Constantine in their CAF Confederation Cup Group A match on Sunday, with Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala starting on the bench.
Mukwala, a key member of the Uganda Cranes, was introduced in the 78th minute as Simba searched for an equalizer.
Despite his efforts, the Tanzanian side failed to overturn the deficit at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui.
The visitors took an early lead in the 24th minute through defender Mohammed Hussein.
However, Simba’s fortunes changed early in the second half when Abdulrazack Hamza inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 46th minute, leveling the score for Constantine.
Four minutes later, CS Constantine midfielder Brahim Dib capitalized on a defensive lapse to net the winner, sealing a vital three points for the Algerian side.
The result sees SC Constantine go top of the group with six points, while Simba occupy third behind Bravos do Maquis who edged Sfaxien 3-2 in the other Group stage game.
The defeat puts added pressure on Simba ahead of their next group match against Tunisian giants CS Sfaxien.
