Union Sportive de la Gendarmerie Nationale and Simba drew 1-1 in the 2021/22 CAF Champions League Group D match at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché in Nigeron Sunday.
The Blues had a few good chances in the opening five minutes, with Victorien Adebayor and Boubacar going close.
Pape Sakho nearly handed Ajax the lead in spectacular fashion after 10 minutes when he spotted Meddie Kagere off his line but USGN recovered in time to make the save.
However, the hosts early pressure paid off the in the 12th minute, as Ivorian winger Wilfried Gbeuli slotted home from close range, after being picked out by Aboubacar Arzakou.
Simba nearly pulled level in the 22nd minute when Peter Banda connected with a cross from the right but Saidu Hamisu was on hand to keep out the striker’s shot with superb one-handed save.
Pablo Franco’s were presented with another chance three minutes later but Sadio Kanoute failed to keep his on target from close range.
Simba struggled to get things going in the middle of the park and were often let down by poor decision-making in the final third.
USGN almost doubled in the 55th minute. Victorien Adebayor was in a good position to have a shot at goal, but he sent his venomous effort well wide of the goal.
Simba dominated proceedings after the hour mark and should have leveled in the 74th minute but Kagere miscued his effort from three-yards out with the goal at his mercy.
The Tanzanians were back on level terms on the 84th minute as substitute Bernard Morrsion nodded home Shomari Kapombe’s corner.
Hinsa Issoufou got a shot away in the 88th minute, forcing a save from Aisha Manula, but in the end neither side could find the winner.
