Simba face challenging task against Al Masry in CAF Cup

Dar es Salaam. One of Tanzania's football giants, Simba, face a challenging task against Al Masry in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage.

The match is set to take place at the New Suez Stadium, also known as as-Suways (Suez), located in Ismailia, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm East Africa Time.

The match will be officiated by Malian referee Boubou Traore. So far, Traore has officiated 25 club-level matches in various African competitions. Out of these, 17 ended in victory for the home teams, while only six were won by away sides, with two matches resulting in draws. Traore has issued a total of four red cards and 86 yellow cards.

Simba, who are keen to secure a positive result away from home, have been undergoing rigorous training sessions, focusing on tactical discipline, physical fitness, and team coordination.

The team’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, said all players are in top shape and ready to give their best in the encounter. Fadlu said the players have been well-prepared for the highly anticipated match. The South African tactician exuded confidence that his team would secure a positive result.

“In fact, the Msimbazi Street lads need a victory, despite the fact that it won’t be an easy game. Our players are aware of that. We had the best training sessions specifically to record the best results to ease our qualification for the next round,” said Fadlu.

“We are ready for the encounter. We know Al Masry will come at us with a different approach, targeting to stop us despite the fact that we are playing away. We have prepared to bring joy to all Tanzanians,” he said.

Simba’s captain, Mohammed “Tshabalala” Hussein, assured all Tanzanians that they are going to make history by winning against Al Masry. Hussein said he and his fellow players are in high morale and ready to give their best in the encounter.

“We know what Tanzanians expect from us. We have prepared to make them happy and not disappoint them. We call on all football fans to give their moral support ahead of the encounter,” said Hussein.

Simba holds the record for the most CAF quarterfinal appearances by a Tanzanian club since 2018-2019, with this being their sixth attempt. However, they have never advanced beyond this stage, often struggling in away fixtures.

In their five previous quarterfinal appearances, Simba lost three away matches in regulation time and two on penalties. Meanwhile, at home, they have won three (against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Wydad), drawn one (against TP Mazembe), and lost one (against Al Ahly).

Avoiding a loss in Egypt could significantly boost their chances in the return leg.