Simba: Superior tactic set for return leg

SIMBA’s Head Coach, Roberto Oliveira ‘Robertinho’ has toasted his players for effectively fulfilling their duties per the instructions he offered them in their 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium over the weekend.

Robertinho noted during the post-match conference that his players played according to the plans they had set for themselves on how to attack and what to do when they lost the ball.

Robertinho has also congratulated their opponents, Wydad, for showing a solid defence, especially knowing they are playing away.

“I congratulate my players for a good performance; it was not an easy match. We have played against big teams, but we have done well.

“Our team is getting stronger every day; we have the best players, so we tackle every game with great respect as each team that faces us is keen on how good we are,” said Robertinho.

Oliveira has promised to apply superior tactics in the return leg as Wydad Casablanca trainer, Juan Garrido said they will make full use of the reverse leg.

They expect to meet again for the second leg clash at Mohamed V Stadium in Morocco on Friday for the decisive encounter as the overall winner marches on to the last four.

In a post- match briefing, Oliveira insisted that the decisive return leg will be handled with utmost care.

“I am happy for the win and we are going to work on the modern strategy on how to play our next away match in Morocco so that we can get good results there,” he said.

He added: “For me, ball possession is very important because if you stay with the ball, you have no risk and that was my objective. I congratulate my players for the positive results.

“In Champions League, I need to score four to five goals but we missed several clear goal scoring opportunities inside the box. We have shown everyone in the world that every opponent need to respect us.”

Moreover, the Brazilian coach admitted that upsetting holders of the Champions League (Wydad Casablanca) was not an easy task hence hailed his players for the recommendable job well executed.

On his part, Garrido remarked that they are going to analyse the match and see what they can do in order to emerge winners in the next game and qualify for the semifinals.

“Today (Saturday), we have played the first half and we have the second half to be played in Morocco where we will use all our players to win the match.

“As Wydad Casablanca, we are going to be motivated to win at home. We are not happy with the loss but we have another chance to do well,” he said.