Why Simba must win CAF Cup clash against Angola's Bravos
What you need to know:
- The Msimbazi-based outfit have scored five goals and conceded two, giving them a +3 goal average. In contrast, Constantine have scored nine goals and conceded four, resulting in a superior +5 goal difference.
Dar es Salaam. Football giants Simba are set for a pivotal clash against Angola's Bravos do Maquis in Group A of the CAF Confederation Cup, with the Tanzanian heavyweights requiring at least a draw to sustain their hopes of advancing to 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 hangs in the balance as the group approaches its decisive phase.
Simba, with nine points from four matches, are positioned second due to an inferior goal difference compared to CS Constantine.
The Msimbazi-based outfit have scored five goals and conceded two, giving them a +3 goal average. In contrast, Constantine have scored nine goals and conceded four, resulting in a superior +5 goal difference.
This slight edge currently place the Algerian side at the top of the table, adding pressure on Simba to secure results in their remaining fixtures.
Bravos do Maquis, sitting third, retain a slim chance of qualification. The Angolan side have only collected four points from four matches and must win both their remaining games, including by at least a 2-0 margin against Simba, to stay in contention.
Additionally, they must rely on Simba and CS Constantine dropping points in their other matches. Meanwhile, 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 three times the title in the history.
CS Sfaxien have won three times the title in the history. The club managed to win in 2007, 2008 and 2013 years respectively. In 2010 they finished in the second position.
Recent form and key matches
Simba’s recent 1-0 victory against 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 emphasizes the team’s need to improve its offensive efficiency to maximize 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 require a minimum of four points 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 would reduce the pressure on their final group match against CS Constantine at home on January 19, 2025.
For CS Constantine, a victory against CS Sfaxien on January 12 could secure their progression before facing Simba in Dar es Salaam. Bravos, meanwhile, need a perfect finish and favorable 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 result against Bravos could leave their fate dependent on other outcomes, a situation they will undoubtedly want to avoid.
With high stakes and competitive dynamics at play, Simba’s clash with Bravos promises to be a decisive encounter that could define the trajectory of Group A in the CAF Confederation Cup.
