DAR ES SALAAM: KIBU Denis brought Simba fans to their feet with a dramatic last-minute header, securing a crucial 2-1 victory over CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup encounter at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
The late goal sent the crowd at the stadium into wild jubilation.
Simba, Bravos do Maquis and CS Constantine are locked in a three-way tie at the top of Group A in the CAF Confederation Cup after match day three.
All three teams currently sit on six points, creating an exciting and unpredictable race for the top spots.
Dennis’ heroics in the dying moments of the match dashed CS Sfaxien’s hopes of securing a point.
The atmosphere was electric, with the red and white-clad supporters waving flags and chanting in unison.
But the match took a tense turn in the final moments, as CS Sfaxien’s frustration boiled over and the players, along with the technical bench, aggressively confronted the referee, who was forced to leave the pitch escorted by security personnel due to the unsporting conduct.
The match began with a scare for Simba as CS Sfaxien’s Hazem Hassen capitalised on a defensive error to give his team an early lead. A routine back pass from Che Fondoh Malone was intercepted by Hassen, who quickly charged towards goal and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Moussa Camara, sending the Sfaxien fans into a frenzy.
Simba quickly responded, eager to equalise. Kibu Denis, known for his dribbling flair, weaved through the Sfaxien defence and was brought down by Habessi Achref, earning Simba a crucial free-kick just outside the box.
Jean Charles Ahoua delivered a perfectly timed cross into the box and Denis rose above his marker to head home, levelling the score. The equaliser was a deserved reward for Simba’s resilience.
Simba continued to press forward, seeking the lead. A well-placed set-piece from Jean Charles Ahoua found Lionel Ateba, whose powerful header narrowly missed the target in the 26th minute. It was a close call, but Simba couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity.
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CS Sfaxien employed a counter-attacking style, waiting for opportunities to exploit. In contrast, Simba controlled possession in the midfield, with their wing-backs pushing high to create dangerous set-pieces and stretch the Sfaxien defence.
The match was shaping up to be an exciting contest, with both sides showcasing their attacking prowess.
The second half of the match was filled with intensity, as both teams made tactical adjustments that shifted the momentum.
Simba, determined to find goals, made a series of impactful substitutions, bringing on Steve Mukwala, Yusuph Kagoma, Karaboue Chamou, Joshua Mutale and Valentin Nouma, who replaced Leonel Ateba, Jean Charles Ahoua, Débora Fernandes Mavambo, Mohamed Hussein and Che Fondoh Malone.
On the other side, CS Sfaxien also made several changes, with Amine Haboubi, Youssef Becha, Gaoussou Traoré and Koffi Kouamé coming on to replace Achref Habbassi, Hazem Haj Hassen, Mohamed Dhaoui, Firas Sekkouhi and Mohamed Nasraoui.
These tactical shifts brought more energy to the field, as both sides fought fiercely to gain control. As the second half wore on, Simba applied more pressure, pushing CS Sfaxien in search of more goals.
However, the guests’ defense held strong, with players working tirelessly to block Simba’s advances.
Frustration began to mount for CS Sfaxien. Their players repeatedly simulated fouls, reflecting their growing desperation. This echoed their earlier struggles, exemplified by goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen’s yellow card for time-wasting.
With time running out, Simba saw a glimmer of hope. Substitute Yusuph Kagoma, who had been instrumental since coming on, delivered a brilliant set-piece that found Kibu Denis. Denis made no mistake, sending the ball past the goalkeeper for his second goal.
The crowd erupted in celebration, as Simba fans leapt to their feet in pure joy. The moment was electric, a testament to the team’s perseverance and the fans’ unwavering support.
