Know Simba possible CAF Cup quarterfinal stage opponents
What you need to know:
- The Msimbazi Street giants advanced based on the head-to-head regulation, having previously defeated Bravos 1-0 in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s envoys in the CAF Confederation Cup, Simba SC, are set to face strong opponents in the quarterfinals scheduled for March 30 and April 6 this year.
Simba secured a place in the knockout stage of the tournament after a 1-1 draw against Angola's Bravos do Maquis in a thrilling Group A encounter held last Sunday at Angola’s Estadio Nacional da Tundavala (Lubango).
The Msimbazi Street giants advanced based on the head-to-head regulation, having previously defeated Bravos 1-0 in Dar es Salaam.
The match saw Simba’s striker Leonel Ateba emerge as the hero, scoring a crucial equalizer in the 69th minute.
Simba are placed second with 10 points from five matches and still have a chance to top Group A if they are to win over CS Constantine of Algeria in their final match scheduled for January 19 at 4pm at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Stellenbosch (South Africa, Group B)
The club are featuring in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in history.
They are currently placed eighth in the South African Premiership and have recorded victories against Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, Amazulu, and other notable teams.
They secured a slot in the CAF competition after being crowned the inaugural Carling Knockout champions.
Additionally, their reserve team won their second DStv Diski Challenge title.
Stellenbosch are now placed second in Group B standings with nine points.
As per the schedule, they will face the top team in the group, RS Berkane of Morocco, in their last group-stage match.
However, the result will not change their current status in the group standings.
ASC Jaraaf (Senegal, Group C)
The Senegalese giants have made 21 appearances in history and have featured in CAF competitions on several occasions.
They have represented Senegal in the Champions League 13 times, the Confederation Cup four times, the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup three times, and the now-defunct CAF Cup once.
ASC Jaraaf are the most frequent participant among Senegalese clubs in CAF competitions.
However, the team’s qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage depends on their final match result against USM Alger of Algeria.
They are currently second in Group C with eight points and need only a draw to qualify for the knockout stage.
ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast, Group C)
Another team from Group C, ASEC Mimosas, also have a chance to qualify for the knockout stage.
They are currently third with five points and need a victory over Orapa United of Botswana.
A win over Orapa could take them to the knockout stage if ASC Jaraaf lose to USM Alger in the final match.
The Ivorian side have a chance to qualify on the head-to-head rule against ASC Jaraaf, following their 2-0 victory in the first match. In the second match, ASC Jaraaf won 1-0 over ASEC Mimosas.
ASEC Mimosas have been a common opponent against Simba, with the two teams having met six times in CAF competitions. Both teams have recorded two draws, two wins, and two losses.
Al Masry (Egypt, Group D)
Egyptian side Al Masry are currently second in Group D with six points.
Zamalek, also from Egypt, top the group with 11 points. Al Masry need victory over Black Bulls of Mozambique to finish second in Group D.
If successful, Al Masry will face Simba for the third time in history. In 2018, Al Masry eliminated Simba from the CAF Confederation Cup on the away goals rule.
Simba forced a goalless draw in Cairo but later recorded a 2-2 draw at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Enyimba FC (Nigeria, Group D)
Enyimba, with five points, also have a chance to finish second in Group D if Al Masry draw against Black Bulls.
Records show that Simba have played six matches against Enyimba in CAF competitions, managing one victory, one draw, and four losses.
RS Berkane (Morocco, Group B)
If Simba finish second in Group A, they may meet RS Berkane, who top Group B with 13 points—an unassailable lead.
The two teams will face each other for the third time as per records.
On March 13, 2022, Simba won 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, but RS Berkane eliminated Simba with a 2-0 victory in Morocco.
Zamalek (Egypt, Group D)
Simba may play Zamalek of Egypt only if they finish in the second position.
This match would be a chance for Zamalek to avenge their elimination by Simba in the 2003 CAF Champions League on a 3-2 penalty shootout at the Cairo International Stadium.
The first leg saw Simba win 1-0 on May 18, 2003, while Zamalek won the return leg 1-0 on June 1, 2003.
USM Alger (Algeria, Group C)
Simba may face USM Alger for the first time if the Algerian team top Group C.
USM Alger currently lead with 11 points and need only a draw against ASC Jaraaf to secure their position. In 2023, USM Alger won the CAF Confederation Cup over Yanga on away goals.
They won 2-1 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and later lost 0-1 in Tanzania. They also won the CAF Super Cup over Al Ahly that same year.
