Simba sail to CAF quarter

LUANDA: SIMBA have secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bravos do Maquis at the 11 de Novembro Stadium in Talatona, Angola.

This result has earned Simba a total of 10 points, placing them in second position in Group A, just behind CS Constantine, who claimed a 3-0 victory over CS Sfaxien in their match.

With this win, CS Constantine now lead the group with 12 points.

Bravos sit in third place with seven points, while Sfaxien remain at the bottom of the table, yet to register a point.

The draw has also resulted in Bravos’ elimination from the competition, despite the possibility of them reaching 10 points in their final match against Sfaxien.

However, the rules of the competition state that head-to-head results take precedence over goal difference.

Since Simba have the advantage in their head-to-head record against Bravos, the latter’s chances of advancing are now over.

Simba’s final group match is still crucial, as a win would not only secure them top spot in Group A with 13 points, but also give them a significant advantage going into the knockout stages.

Finishing first means Simba will play their first leg away and the return leg at home—an advantage that could prove invaluable for building a stronger aggregate score to secure a place in the semifinals.

Every point counts, and Simba’s next match is a critical step towards their ultimate goal.

On today’s encounter the game kicked off with a shocking twist in the 13th minute as Simba conceded an early goal.

Bravos do Maquis’ midfielder, Abednego Mosiatlhaga, pounced on a defensive blunder.

Che Fondoh Malone’s back pass to his goalkeeper, Moussa Camara, was weak and easily intercepted by Mosiatlhaga.

As the ball came loose, Abdulrazack Hamza rushed to challenge Mosiatlhaga, but was too late—Mosiatlhaga had already made a quick decision to slot the ball into the net, putting Bravos ahead.

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Simba, visibly shaken, regrouped and pressed hard for an equalizer.

They came close on several occasions, starting with an attempt from Ahoua in the 15th minute, followed by from Kibu Denis header in the 31st minute.

But Bravos’ goalkeeper, Okemute Odah, was solid between the posts, denying Simba’s best efforts.

Just before the break, Kibu Denis nearly found the back of the net again, connecting with an Ahoua cross with a powerful header, but the ball rattled the woodwork—so close, yet still no goal.

Bravos, with their sharp counterattacks, looked to capitalize on Simba’s mistakes. In the dying seconds of the first half, a defensive clearance attempt from Simba was intercepted by Higino Kapitango, who threaded a through ball to Joaquim Paciência.

Paciência found himself in the heart of Simba’s defense, and with a calm strike from outside the box, he fired a shot that seemed destined for the top corner—only for Camara to produce a magnificent save, preserving Simba’s hopes.

The tension was palpable as both teams fought fiercely for control, with Bravos holding their slender advantage heading into the break.

The second half saw Simba come out with renewed vigor, determined to turn the tide.

It didn’t take long for them to show their intent—Leonel Ateba charged forward early, seizing an opportunity with a powerful strike.

But Bravos’ goalkeeper, Okemute Odah, was equal to the challenge, making a crucial save to deny the dangerous forward.

Simba’s relentless pressure continued, and their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute.

Shomari Kapombe, with the precision of a master craftsman, sliced a low, grass-cutting pass into the box.

The ball was perfectly timed, threading through Bravos’ defenders who hesitated, calculating their next move.

In that brief moment of indecision, Ateba, quick as lightning, pounced. With a burst of agility, he sidestepped a challenge and, with clinical precision, fired a bullet of a shot—low and hard—straight between the legs of Odah and into the net.

From that point on, Simba’s defense became a fortress.

With Bravos pressing for a late winner, the Simba backline stood firm, battling through wave after wave of attacks.

The match was tense, every minute a battle, but Simba held strong, determined to protect their vital goal.

The final whistle blew, and with the 1-1 draw, Simba secured their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals, a hard-fought result that left fans cheering and the players exhaling in relief.

A dramatic and hard-earned point, and a ticket to the next stage.