Government lauds Yanga, Simba for CAF success

PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has extended her congratulations to Young Africans and Simba SC for qualifying for the group stages of the CAF Champions League (CAF CL) and the CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC), respectively.

In a message shared on her verified Instagram account on Sunday night, she stated: “Congratulations to Yanga and Simba for emerging victorious in your matches in the CAF Interclub Competitions. Yanga performed admirably in the Champions League, while Simba excelled in the Confederation Cup. Keep entertaining us! My motivation and prayers from millions of Tanzanians are always with you.”

Yanga secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League (CL) with a dominant 7-0 aggregate victory over CBE of Ethiopia, winning both legs of the tie. They achieved a 1-0 victory in the first leg at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia, followed by a remarkable 6-0 win at New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar.

Simba, on the other hand, advanced to the group stage of the Confederation Cup (CC) after defeating Al Ahly Tripoli 3-1 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The team came from behind to claim this impressive victory, buoyed by the support of their home fans.

With the victory, Simba received a reward of 15m/- from the presidential goal motivation package, which awards 5m/- for each goal scored by Tanzanian teams in CAF Interclub Competitions, applicable only in winning matches.

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Renowned coach Jamhuri Kihwelo alias ‘Julio’ praised both Yanga and Simba for their achievements and encouraged them to address the weaknesses displayed in their preliminary round fixtures.

“This is what we aimed for, to see two Tanzanian teams advancing to the last 16 of the Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively. It wasn’t easy; they faced strong opponents, but ultimately succeeded. Now they must focus on improving for their group stage matches,” Kihwelo said.

On his side former Libya national team coach Milutin Sredojevic alias ‘Micho’, also commended Simba’s performance during the match against Al Ahly Tripoli.

“It was a tough game, but Simba responded well after conceding first. I congratulate them, especially their coach Fadlu Davids, who was my assistant at Orlando Pirates,” he said.

Next season, Tanzania will continue to have four representatives in the CAF Interclub Competitions, as both Yanga and Simba have advanced to the last 16 in their respective tournaments.