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Simba bank on Ahoua, Kibu as they face RS Berkane in historic CAF final
What you need to know:
- The two attackers, each with three goals in the tournament, are in contention for the golden boot and have emerged as Simba’s key match-winners
Dar es Salaam. With just hours remaining before Simba SC take on Morocco’s RS Berkane in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, the Tanzanian giants are pinning their hopes on in-form forwards Jean Charles Ahoua and Kibu Denis to make the difference tonight.
The two attackers, each with three goals in the tournament, are in contention for the golden boot and have emerged as Simba’s key match-winners, alongside fellow forwards Leonel Ateba and Steven Mukwala—throughout the campaign.
Tonight’s clash, kicking off at 10:00 p.m. East African Time (8:00 p.m. Moroccan time) at Berkane Municipal Stadium, marks Simba’s return to a continental final for the first time in 31 years.
The last was in 1993, when they lost 2–0 to Ivory Coast’s Stella Abidjan in the CAF Cup.
A win in Morocco would put Simba in a commanding position ahead of the return leg next weekend at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar and could see them become the first Tanzanian club to lift a continental club title.
Simba reached this year’s final after edging South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC 1–0 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
RS Berkane, meanwhile, advanced with a commanding 4–1 aggregate win over Algeria’s CS Constantine.
Ahoua and Kibu to lead the line
Ahoua, who scored the decisive goal in the semi-final second leg, also netted against Angola’s Bravos do Maquis in the group stage and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.
Renowned for his set-piece accuracy—particularly from penalties and free kicks—he poses a serious threat near the opponent’s box.
Kibu Denis has also delivered in key moments, notably scoring against Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli in the second preliminary round, twice in a 2–1 win over CS Sfaxien, and again versus CS Constantine. His physicality and pace are expected to test Berkane’s backline.
In addition to Ahoua and Kibu, Simba is counting on goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who boasts one of the tournament’s best clean-sheet records, second only to Berkane’s Munir Mohamed. Strikers Mukwala, Ateba, and Ellie Mpanzu are also expected to play vital roles.
Tactical focus and security strategy
Simba’s approach tonight is to secure a favourable result away to ease pressure ahead of the home leg.
The team’s preparation has been meticulous, beginning in Dar es Salaam and continuing in Morocco with strategic logistical decisions.
A 260-member contingent travelled with the team, offering moral and logistical support.
Simba initially camped in Casablanca before relocating to the coastal town of Saidia—30km from Berkane—on Thursday.
The decision was reportedly based on concerns over possible gamesmanship from the hosts, as has been speculated in past continental encounters.
Coach Davids confident ahead of crucial tie
Head coach Fadlu Davids has focused on balancing defensive discipline with attacking efficiency.
The South African tactician, who previously won a CAF title with Raja Casablanca, believes the first leg is pivotal.
“We need a strong result here to guide our strategy for the second leg. The players are focused, and preparations have gone according to plan. It’s now time to deliver,” said Davids.
Billion-shilling incentive on offer
According to credible sources within the club, Simba’s players and technical bench stand to earn a Sh1 billion bonus should they win the trophy.
Adding to the motivation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged Sh30 million for every goal scored across both legs of the final.
Former sponsor Azim Dewji is also offering a Sh6 million reward each to the scorer and assist-provider of every goal scored—bringing the total value of each goal to Sh12 million.
Mr Dewji previously offered Sh2.5 million each to scorers and assist providers during earlier matches, benefiting players like Mukwala, Mpanzu, Shomary Kapombe, and Mohammed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’.
Match officials
Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho will officiate the first leg, assisted by compatriot Boris Marlaise Ditsoga and Benin’s Eric Ayimavo Ayamr Ulrich. The fourth official will be Patrice Tanguy Mebiame, also from Gabon.
Atcho has a favourable history with Simba, having refereed their 2–0 win over Wydad AC in the CAF Champions League on 19 December 2023.
Expected starting XI
Final decisions were set to be confirmed following Friday evening’s training at Berkane Stadium.
However, Coach Davids is expected to retain the core line-up that saw Simba through the knockout rounds:
Goalkeeper: Moussa Camara
Defenders: Shomary Kapombe, Mohammed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’, Abdulrazack Hamza, Fondoh Che Malone
Midfielders: Yusuf Kagoma, Fabrice Ngoma
Forwards: Steven Mukwala, Kibu Denis, Jean Charles Ahoua, Ellie Mpanzu
Key substitutes include Leonel Ateba, Augustine Okejepha, Debora Mavambo, Ladack Chasambi, Ally Salim, Valentin Nouma, and David Kameta ‘Duchu’.
With history within reach and confidence running high, Simba SC are aiming to make tonight the first step in etching their name into continental football glory.
