There is a convincing possibility that Simba may meet RS Berkane of Morocco in the CAF Confederation Cup as both are pole-positioned to clear their semi final hurdles this weekend.
Simba claimed a slim 1-0 win over the South African side, Stellenbosch in their first leg match of the CAF Confederation Cup semis at Amaan Stadium over the weekend, while RS Berkane claimed a huge 4-0 lead against Constantine of Algeria at Berkane Stadium in Morocco on Tuesday this week.
But the RS Berkane’s path to the final spot is much clearer than that of the Tanzanian envoys, who need a draw to advance, while the Moroccan just need to concede less than four goals, something that gives them a huge advantage.
While Simba fans are very sure of another success in South Africa, the team’s head tactician, Fadlu Davids believes differently.
“We know it won’t be easy playing away, but we’ve grown. We’re not just preparing for a semi-final, we’re preparing to lift this trophy. And I believe we can score at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban,” he said confidently.
In a tightly contested first leg on Sunday at the newly renovated Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, Simba earned a slender 1-0 victory, thanks to a brilliant Jean Ahoua’s free-kick just before half time.
“Our objective of keeping a clean sheet was achieved, but Simba is a big club and big clubs don’t settle for narrow wins when the opportunities are there to finish the job. We had clear moments to make it 2-0, 3-0, even 4-0. We have to be more clinical.”
Despite his criticism, Davids acknowledged his team’s growth and rising confidence, crediting the squad’s ongoing commitment and composure.
Morocco’s RSB Berkane made a strong statement in the other semi final fixture, cruising to a 4-0 victory over CS Constantine at the Municipal Stadium of Berkane.
With a commanding lead, Berkane look poised to book their spot in the final unless Constantine can produce a miracle in the return leg.
Both Simba SC and RSB Berkane are taking first-leg advantages, the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals as the race to continental glory intensifies.
