Simba roar into CAF final

DURBAN: SIMBA SC have written a glorious new chapter in Tanzanian football history, securing a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup final after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.

The Tanzanian giants travelled to South Africa with a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, played just days prior at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

They successfully navigated a tense second leg, showcasing grit and resilience to defend their lead and book their place in the prestigious final.

In a match where performance arguably took a backseat to the desired result, Simba demonstrated their ability to “win ugly,” digging deep to withstand a determined Stellenbosch side.

The encounter was punctuated by several crucial moments that required the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), adding to the drama.

Early in the game, a challenge on Simba’s Kibu Denis initially led to a penalty being awarded. However, the decision was overturned after VAR review, which clearly showed no foul had occurred.

Later, Stellenbosch players vehemently protested what they believed was a handball by Simba’s Chamou Karaboue, but VAR again sided with the referee’s on-field decision, confirming a clean play.

The most dramatic incident unfolded in the dying moments of the match when Stellenbosch’s Thato Khiba fired what they thought was the equalising goal.

The home crowd erupted, only to be silenced by the VAR, which ruled the strike offside, much to their despair.

Despite the palpable tension and the controversial VAR decisions, Simba’s defense stood tall. Led by a commanding Moussa Camara, they repelled every attack launched by Stellenbosch, ensuring the clean sheet that sealed their aggregate victory.

The final whistle sparked scenes of unbridled joy among the Simba players. Many sank to their knees in prayer, expressing gratitude for the monumental achievement. Others raised their hands in triumph or embraced teammates in jubilant celebration, fully aware of the significance of their feat.

This final appearance marks a special milestone for Simba, who last reached this stage of the competition 32 years ago in 1993. On that occasion, they fell to Ivory Coast’s Stella Club d’Adjamé, losing 2-0 in the second leg in Dar es Salaam after a goalless draw in the first leg.

Now, a determined Simba will aim to go one step further and claim their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup title. Their opponents in the final will be the winner of the other semi-final tie between Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane and Algeria’s CS Constantine, who played their second leg later.