DAR ES SALAAM: JEAN Ahoua’s decisive goal secured Simba a vital 1-0 victory over Bravos do Maquis FC in their CAF Confederation Cup Group A clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam today.
The goal came in the 23rd minute, when Bravos defender Antonio Teodor, in a moment of desperation, handled the ball in the penalty box as Simba were building a dangerous attack.
The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and the atmosphere in the stadium grew electric. With nerves of steel, Jean Ahoua stepped up to take the penalty.
He coolly approached the ball, sending it hurtling towards the bottom corner. The Bravos goalkeeper Landu Mavanga, diving in the same direction, stretched every inch of his body in a desperate attempt to stop the shot.
But Ahoua’s strike was too powerful, too precise. The ball zipped past the outstretched hands of the keeper, its speed and force making it an unstoppable force, and nestled into the back of the net.
Simba had the lead, and the roar from the crowd reverberated around the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The first half concluded with Simba holding a 1-0 lead.
As the second half kicked off, Simba’s nerves were put to the test. Just moments into the half, disaster nearly struck when the referee pointed to the spot, awarding Bravos do Maquis a penalty after Simba’s winger, Kibu Denis, was adjudged to have fouled Samuel Bengue in the penalty box while attempting to clear the ball in the 46th minute.
The tension was palpable, and Simba’s players held their breath, fearing the worst.
But in a moment of heroism, goalkeeper Moussa Camara rose to the occasion. With a steely resolve, he threw himself across the goal, denying Emmanuel Edmond’s well-struck penalty with a magnificent save.
The ball ricocheted off his gloves, but with remarkable composure, Camara quickly reacted, gathering the loose ball and clutching it to his chest with strength and pride.
The Angolan side stood in stunned disbelief, unable to fathom how their golden opportunity had slipped away.
Despite Camara’s brilliant save, Simba’s morale in the second half was a far cry from the confidence they displayed in the first. Their concentration faltered, and their possession game broke down as they struggled to maintain composure in midfield, often losing the second ball to the relentless pressure from Bravos do Maquis.
The match became increasingly stressful for Simba as the Angolan side pushed forward, determined to find an equalizer.
However, Simba’s defence stood firm, with the backline and goalkeeper Camara remaining resolute in the face of mounting pressure. Together, they weathered the storm, ensuring that the score line remained intact and keeping Simba safe from the Angolan challenge.
