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Simba SC top Group A in CAF Cup to avoid tough rivals in quarters

Simba players celebrate after scoring against CS Constantine of Algeria in the Group A CAF Confederation Cup match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Simba won 2-0. PHOTO | MICHAEL MATEMANGA

By  Majuto Omary

Sports Reporter

Mwananchi Communications Ltd

What you need to know:

  • The match saw Simba dominate the second half, with two impressive goals from Kibu Dennis and Leonel Ateba.

Dar es Salaam. Football giants Simba secured a crucial 2-0 victory on January 19, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium against Algeria's CS Constantine, ensuring their top spot in Group A of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The victory not only boosted Simba’s morale but also helped them avoid facing tougher opponents in the upcoming knockout stages.

 The match saw Simba dominate the second half, with two impressive goals from Kibu Dennis and Leonel Ateba.

Related

The match was played without football fans due to the one-match ban imposed by CAF on the Msimbazi Street giants.

Victory and Group A leadership

Simba took control of the match in the second half after a goalless first half.

Kibu Dennis scored the opener in the 61st minute, finishing a well-executed pass from Elie Mpanzu.

The second goal came in the 79th minute, with Leonel Ateba completing a clinical finish following a precise cross from Shomari Kapombe.

This victory ensured Simba topped Group A with 13 points, edging out CS Constantine, who finished in second place with 12 points.

CAF regulations and knockout stage draw

According to CAF regulations, the top teams from Groups A, B, C, and D will face second-placed teams from other groups in the knockout stage.

This means that Simba will face one of the second-placed teams from Group B, C, or D.

Potential opponents include Stellenbosch from South Africa (Group B), Jaraaf from Senegal (Group C), or ASEC Mimosas from Ivory Coast (Group C), depending on the results of the remaining group matches.

The draw for the knockout stage will determine Simba’s next opponent.


Avoiding stronger opponents

By finishing first in Group A, Simba managed to avoid some of the giants in the competition.

These include defending champions Zamalek from Egypt, last season's finalists RS Berkane from Morocco, and the 2023 winners USM Alger.

These teams topped Groups B, C, and D respectively, and by avoiding them, Simba has a clear path ahead in the knockout stages.

Furthermore, Simba will play the first leg of their quarterfinals away and conclude the tie at home, giving them a tactical advantage.

Quarterfinals: A Crucial Challenge

The quarterfinals are set to take place on March 30 and April 6, and Simba will be eager to make their mark.

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