DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA said their international friendly match against Al Hilal of Sudan will give them a good test ahead of engaging in CAF Confederation Cup duels.
The two teams meet at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam today for the friendly clash set to kick-off from 4:00 pm.
In Confederation Cup, Simba will launch their first leg of the second preliminary round campaign away, by facing Al Ahly Tripoli at 11 June Stadium in Libya on September 13th.
Thereafter, the Reds will host their opponents at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam for the reverse leg encounter.
The overall winner will book a space into the group stage of the competition.
In his recent remarks concerning today’s friendly duel, Simba’s Media and Communication Manager, Ahmed Ally, said it is a befitting test for them.
“As you know, Al Hilal are among the competitive clubs with quality players, hosting them gives us an opportunity to weigh our squad before the Confederation Cup mission.
“We have two back-to-back games against Al Ahly Tripoli, of which we need to do well in order to progress to the last 16 and to achieve that, we must prepare our team,” he said.
Ally also pointed out that their newly acquired Cameroonian striker, Lionel Ateba, is set to make his debut at his new club against the Sudan’s giants.
“This is the opportunity for our fans to see their new goal poacher who has come at the right moment to help our team achieve the intended goals of the season,” he said.
Again, Ally revealed that attacking midfielder Joshua Mutale is back after recovering from the injury he picked during a Premier League match against Tabora United.
Simba were relieved from competing in the Confederation Cup first preliminary round for being among the 12 strongest clubs in Africa.
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On the other hand, Al Hilal will also use the match as part of their preparations prior to face San Pedro of Ivory Coast in their second preliminary CAF Champions League (CAF CL fixture).