By Emmanuel Muga BBC Sport, Dar es Salaam

Zanaco were unhappy with the officiating

Simba SC of Tanzania began their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Zambia's Zanaco in their first-leg preliminary tie.

Veteran striker Nteze John nodded in the winner in the 62nd minute, after beating two defenders.

The slim scoreline betrayed the scoring chances that were created by both teams.

I am not satisfied with the standard Simba coach Patrick Phiri

Simba got their first chance in the 13th minute when Ulimboka Mwakingwe shot at goal from inside the penalty area but Zanaco goalkeeper George Kolala punched the shot away for a corner.

The Tanzanians also came close in the 17th, 38th, and 44th minutes but Kolala's excellent goalkeeping denied strikers Mohammed Abdallah, Ulimboka Mwakingwe and Nteze John the chance of getting more goals.

Zanaco's Edward Kangwa had an opportunity to give his side the lead in the 29th minute when he had only the keeper to beat.

Yet his weak shot was caught by Juma Kaseja.

Simba's new coach Patrick Phiri, who had been in charge of the Zambian national team, admitted that his side had a lot of work to do before the return leg in Zambia.

"We have won but we have a lot to do. I am not satisfied with the standard," Phiri said.

Zanaco coach Fighton Simukonda left the pitch an unhappy man, as he blamed the referee for their loss.

"We deserved to win but the referee was against us. I am confident we will win the return leg and go through," he said.

Other results from this weekend's Champions League games are:

Petro Atletico (Angola) 3-1 Atletico Malabo (E Guinea)
Supersport United (South Africa) 5-0 Civics CC (Namibia) and
APR FC (Rwanda)7-1 Anseba (Eritrea)