AFC Leopards on Wednesday failed to qualify
for the semi-finals of the SportPesa Cup for the second consecutive year after losing 2-1 to hosts Simba SC at Dar es Salaam National Stadium.
Emmanuel Okwi put the Tanzanian giants ahead in the 13th minute before Cletus Chama added another goal in the 50th minute.
Ingwe pulled one back through substitute Vincent Oburu in the 60th minute. Try as they did, Leopards could not find an equaliser.
The 2017 losing finalists attacked persistently, but they were overwhelmed by the Simba's dominant midfield.
Ingwe, who were under pressure for the better part of the match, have goalkeeper Jairus Adira to thank.
He saved several shots from Simba’s dangerous frontline of Emmanuel Okwi, Cletus Chama and Meddie Kagere.
Simba keeper Isha Manula
was hardly tested. He was shielded by a solid defence until substitute Oburu sliced the ball into the net from a tight angle on the hour mark.
Simba will now play Kenyan side Bandari FC in the semi-finals on Friday, while Mbao FC, who knocked out two-time champions Gor Mahia, will face another Kenyan team Kariobangi Sharks.
The winner of the tournament will pocket Sh3 million and play English side Everton in a friendly match later in the year.
