Simba: It is time to break quarter-finals jinx

SIMBA’s defeat in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals against Egypt’s Al Masry on Wednesday may have been a setback, but it is far from the end of the road.

Despite this setback, the mission is far from over and the return leg, scheduled for next Wednesday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, offers Simba a chance to overturn the tables and overcome the deficit.

This match at home will be a defining moment for Simba, a side with much promise but a history of falling just short at this stage.

The question on everyone’s mind is whether they can break the quarterfinals curse that has plagued them for years. In the past, Simba have reached this stage multiple times, only to find themselves denied by narrow margins, penalties, or in some cases, overwhelming opposition.

But the real question is: can they overcome the odds this time? Simba’s record in recent years in continental competition has been a mixed bag.

The 2021 season saw them qualify for the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League after topping their group, a feat that included some memorable results, including victories over the mighty Al Ahly of Egypt.

They were pitted against South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs in the quarterfinals and despite a 3-0 win at home in Dar es Salaam, a heavy 4-0 defeat in South Africa saw them crash out with an aggregate score of 4-3.

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It was a painful exit that left Simba fans frustrated and wondering when their side would finally break through the quarterfinals.

The following year, they qualified for the Confederation Cup quarters, this time finishing second in their group behind RSB Berkane of Morocco. In the quarterfinals, Simba faced another South African giant, Orlando Pirates.

They managed to win the first leg 1-0 at home, but a 1-0 loss in South Africa meant the aggregate was tied 1-1.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, Simba were eliminated by a 4-3 scoreline, adding yet another painful chapter to their quest for continental glory.

In 2023, Simba again reached the quarterfinals, this time in the CAF Champions League, where they finished second in their group behind Raja Casablanca.

They faced another Moroccan giant, Wydad Casablanca. Both teams won their respective home matches 1-0, but once again, the aggregate score stood at 1-1 and Simba fell short in the penalty shootout, losing 4-3.

And last season, Simba reached the quarterfinals once again, but their journey was halted by Al Ahly, with a crushing 3-0 defeat on aggregate.

So, what does this history say about Simba? It paints a picture of a team that is capable of reaching the latter stages of African competition but has repeatedly faltered when it matters most.

The question that fans are now asking is whether this year will be any different, or if Simba will once again find themselves on the wrong side of a narrow defeat.

In their first leg against Al Masry, Simba certainly didn’t lack the necessary ingredients for a comeback.

Despite the 2-0 defeat, Simba had the better of the statistics. They had more possession, more shots and more corners, which are all indicators that they were the more dominant side for large periods of the game.

However, the reality is that they failed to capitalise on their chances, with their finishing lacking the clinical edge needed to make the most of their attacking play.

Simba’s attacking force, led by Elie Mpanzu and Kibu Denis, was potent throughout the match, with Steven Mukwala’s introduction also providing a fresh attacking threat.

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Yet, despite all their possession and pressure, Simba couldn’t break down Al Masry’s defence. The Egyptians, on the other hand, were content to sit back, absorb the pressure and hit on the counterattacks.

This approach paid dividends as they capitalised on two well-executed counters to take a commanding 2-0 lead. This highlights one of Simba’s biggest challenges moving into the return leg: their inability to convert possession into goals.

Against teams like Al Masry, who are happy to let their opponents dominate possession, Simba needs to be more ruthless in front of goal.

They cannot afford to waste chances, as every missed opportunity could prove costly. The attacking players need to be sharper, more decisive and more composed when the chances come their way. Defensively, Simba also needs to improve.

While they were generally solid at the back, their vulnerability to counterattacks was evident and Al Masry made the most of these opportunities.

In the second leg, Simba cannot afford to leave gaps at the back, as Al Masry will be looking to exploit any defensive mistakes.

It will be crucial for Simba to maintain a balance between pressing for goals and ensuring they don’t leave themselves exposed on the break.

Looking ahead to the return leg, Simba will have to approach the match with a clear plan. They must continue to dominate possession but need to be more effective in the final third.

A clinical edge is essential, as is greater defensive discipline. The match is sure to be a nail-biting encounter, with Al Masry looking to defend their advantage while Simba will be desperate to break their quarter-finals jinx and finally reach the semifinals. For Simba, it is now or never.

The return leg is their opportunity to make history and turn the tide in their favour. The pressure is on, but the players have shown before that they have the quality to go toe-to-toe with the best.

It will be a tough task, but with the support of their passionate home crowd at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Simba will have one final chance to break their quarterfinals curse and advance to the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup.