Simba roar into semis

…Samia salutes heroic Reds

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a night etched in Tanzanian football folklore, Simba SC finally shattered a 32-year quarterfinal hoodoo, dramatically booking their place in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Egypt’s Al Masry at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium today.

Having stumbled at the quarterfinal stage five times before, the Msimbazi Reds staged a heroic comeback, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit from Cairo with a spirited 2-0 win on home turf.

The electric atmosphere at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium transformed into a cauldron of hope and eventual jubilation, with goalkeeper Moussa Camara emerging as the undisputed hero.

Camara’s agility and reflexes were mesmerising throughout the tense encounter, highlighted by two breathtaking saves that denied Al Masry’s Mohamed Hussein and Mahmoud Awad Elsayed.

His heroics provided the platform for Simba’s composed penalty takers. Jean Charles Ahoua, Steven Mukwala, Kibu Denis and Shomari Kapombe all coolly slotted their spot kicks home, sending the ecstatic crowd into a frenzy of red-clad celebration.

The momentous victory resonated beyond the stadium, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan joining the nationwide outpouring of joy.

In a celebratory post on her Instagram account, the Head of State lauded Simba’s achievement saying the victory has not only brought joy to Simba’s supporters but has also provided entertainment for all Tanzanians.

“Congratulations to Simba Sports Club on your victory in the CAF Confederation Cup match. Your success is a source of joy for your fans and entertainment for all Tanzanians. I wish you the best of luck in the semi-finals,” she said.

The first half crackled with palpable energy as Simba launched their comeback. In the 22nd minute, Elie Mpanzu ignited the home crowd with a thunderous low strike from distance that proved too powerful for Al Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Ahmed.

The stadium erupted in a wave of euphoria, belief surging through the stands. Moments later, Simba nearly doubled their advantage when Fabrice Ngoma met a tantalising cross with a soaring header, only to be denied by a sharp save from the Masry keeper.

Simba’s relentless attacking pressure, characterised by fluid passing, kept the visitors on their heels.

However, Al Masry proved to be resilient. A swift counterattack saw Abderrahim Deghmoum pounce on a slip by Simba’s Aburazak Hamza, unleashing a venomous shot. But Simba’s custodian, Camara, showcased lightning-fast reflexes to shut down the threat, keeping the home fans on edge.

The breakthrough for Simba’s equaliser came in the 32nd minute. Mohamed Hussein delivered a precise cross that Steven Mukwala met with a thunderous header, sending the ball crashing into the net and igniting another wave of ecstatic celebrations, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2.

Tensions rose further when Kibu Denis was fouled in a dangerous position, granting Simba a tantalising free-kick. Jean Charles Ahoua stepped up, his strike grazing the woodwork, much to the relief of the Al Masry goalkeeper. Undeterred, Simba continued to press.

Mpanzu, weaving through the Al Masry defence, unleashed another blistering shot, but the resilient visiting goalkeeper was equal to the task. As the clock ticked down, Simba had one final opportunity in regulation time.

Mpanzu, with intricate footwork, delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Shomari Kapombe, whose shot agonisingly sailed just wide of the post, leaving the stadium breathless as the final whistle blew with the aggregate score still locked at 2-2, setting the stage for the dramatic penalty shootout.