Simba look to enter quarters against Bravos in CAF Cup tie
What you need to know:
- Currently tied on nine points with group leaders CS Constantine of Algeria but trailing on goal difference, Simba’s journey to the next round is far from over as the group approaches its decisive phase
Dar es Salaam. Football giants, Simba SC, face a critical showdown against Angola's Bravos do Maquis in Group A of the CAF Confederation Cup, with the Tanzanian side needing at least a draw to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stage.
Currently tied on nine points with group leaders CS Constantine of Algeria but trailing on goal difference, Simba’s journey to the next round is far from over as the group approaches its decisive phase.
The Msimbazi Street-based outfit have scored five goals and conceded two, giving them a +2 goal average. In contrast, CS Constantine have scored nine goals and conceded four, resulting in a superior +5 goal difference.
This slight edge currently places the Algerian side at the top of the table, exerting pressure on Simba to secure positive results in their remaining fixtures.
Bravos do Maquis, sitting third, have the slim chance of qualification as they have only collected six points from four matches and must win both their remaining games, including by at least a 2-0 margin over Simba, to stay in contention.
Additionally, the Angolan side will have to pray that Simba and CS Constantine drop points in their other matches. For their part, CS Sfaxien of Tunisia, the record winners of the competition, are out of contention after failing to register a single win in the group stage.
CS Sfaxien have won the title three times in their history, having managed in the years of 2007, 2008 and 2013 respectively. In 2010 they finished in the second position.
Recent form and key matches
Simba’s recent 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien, courtesy of a 34th-minute goal by Jean Ahoua, featured their resilience.
The win was crucial in keeping them in the race for a top-two finish. However, the slim margin of victory further emphasises the team’s need to improve their offensive efficiency to maximise opportunities in their final group fixtures.
CS Constantine demonstrated their attacking prowess with a 3-0 thrashing of Bravos do Maquis, solidifying their position as group leaders.
Bravos’ defensive vulnerabilities in that match will provide Simba with potential avenues to exploit in their upcoming clash.
However, Bravos will be desperate to bounce back, particularly on home soil, adding another layer of complexity to Simba's task.
Path to qualification
Simba need positive results from their final two matches to guarantee qualification.
Their next game, an away fixture against Bravos on January 12, 2025, is pivotal. A win in Angola will reduce the pressure on their final group match against CS Constantine at home on January 19.
For CS Constantine, victory over CS Sfaxien on January 12 will secure their progression before facing Simba in Dar es Salaam.
Bravos, for their part, need a perfect finish and favourable results from other matches to keep their faint hopes alive.
What’s at stake?
The race for the top two spots remains a three-horse battle among Simba, CS Constantine, and Bravos.
Simba must maintain their focus and aim for clinical performances in their remaining fixtures.
Failing to secure a good result against Bravos will leave their fate dependent on other results, a situation they will undoubtedly want to avoid.
With high stakes and competitive dynamics at play, Simba’s encounter against Bravos promises to be a decisive encounter that will define the trajectory of Group A in the CAF Confederation Cup.
