This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On Sunday, August 25, 2019, the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam witnessed a somber atmosphere as Simba SC was eliminated from the Caf Champions League by Mozambican side UD Songo following a 1-1 draw.
One fan, Babu Ali, was particularly affected by the loss, and his emotional reaction has since gone viral on social media.
According to eyewitnesses, Ali was so overcome with emotion that he had to be carried away from the stadium by his friends, who had accompanied him to the match.
Ali's friend explained that he broke down fearing the mockery he would face from fans of rival club Yanga, who proceeded to the next round after stopping Botswana's Township Rollers.
“Baada ya kuona Simba katolewa ndio akaanza kulia. Kinachouma ni kama Yanga kupass nasi tunabaki nyumbani,” Ali's friend said.
Another fan had to be carried away by medics on a stretcher after collapsing during the additional injury time minutes.
Simba SC, who reached the quarter finals of the tournament last season, were eliminated after being held to a 1-1 draw by the visiting Mozambican side.
The visitors were the first to score in the first half after Luis Misquissone found the net in the 14th minute.
Despite a late penalty awarded in the 84th minute and converted by Erasto Nyoni to equalize the scores, it was too little, too late for Simba SC.
