Barker lays blames on injuries

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA SC head coach, Steve Barker pointed to a spate of injuries as the turning point in his side’s agonising 2–2 draw with Esperance de Tunis in a CAF Champions’ League Group D clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.

The hosts were forced into early second-half changes after losing influential midfielder Yusuph Kagoma and centre-back Wilson Nangu, both stretchered off.

The disruptions fractured Simba’s structure and drained the momentum they had built after taking control of the contest.

Speaking after the match on Sunday, Barker admitted that the setbacks proved decisive, with Simba struggling to sustain their dominance after taking control of the game.

“We went into halftime with the lead and looked comfortable at the start of the second half, but conceding a goal shifted the momentum,” Barker said.

“The injuries and f o r c e d substitutions disrupted our rhythm, and conceding the second goal after that was a real blow.”

Despite the setback, Barker maintained that Simba will fight until the end in their remaining two group matches, even as their qualification hopes appear slim.

The Msimbazi Reds will face Petro Atlético away this Friday before wrapping up their group campaign against Stade Malien at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium next Friday.

Barker also praised his players for their discipline and commitment, noting that they implemented much of what had been worked on in training, even though the result was painful.

“The players worked extremely hard and showed real progress in key areas, which makes the result even more frustrating,” he said.

Esperance Sportive de Tunis staged a spirited comeback from 2–0 down to secure a 2–2 draw, leaving the fourtime African champions second in Group D with six points, behind leaders Stade Malien with eight.

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Petro Atlético sit third with five points, while Simba remain bottom of the group with just one point from four matches, with two games left in the race for a quarterfinal spot.

Meanwhile, Simba SC has strongly condemned harassment of club chairman Murtaza Mangungu by a section of fans after the match.

In a statement issued through Board of Directors Chairman, Crescentius Magori, the club described the incident as unacceptable and unsportsmanlike.

“Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The club leadership extends its sympathy to Chairman Mangungu,” the statement said.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and respect, warning that anyone who damages the club’s image will face firm action.