DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA coach Roberto Oliveira said three friendly matches his charges played in preparation for their Champions League have helped to keep his charges in good shape ahead of their crucial game against Power Dynamos this weekend.
The two sides meet in the first leg match of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League this Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia before the reverse leg match on October 1st in Dar es Salaam.
The side that will stamp the best performance in both duels will get a ticket to play in the group stage of the contest as such, hence both sides are keen to reach that feat.
“Of course, the three friendly matches we played have helped us a lot in terms of improving the fitness levels of our players before facing Power Dynamos.
“Our objective is to win and qualify for the group stage of the Champions League…we will have to work hard for that,” said Oliveira in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.
In their recent signal-testing matches, Simba defeated Ngome FC 6-0 with goals from Shomari Kapombe, Aubin Kramo, Willy Onana, Shaabani Chilunda, and Jean Baleke who netted a brace.
Previously, Msimbazi Street Reds also cherished a comfortable 5-1 victory over Cosmopolitan with Moses Phiri, Baleke, Onana, Kramo, and Chilunda finding the back of the net.
Again, Oliveira’s charges also defeated Kipanga FC 3-0 in their first friendly match with Phiri, Luis Miqquissone, and Kramo on the scoreboard on the day.
From the three friendly matches, Simba have scored 14 goals and conceded once in the process as coach Roberto Oliveira searches for a good plan to see off the Zambian giants.
Already, Oliveira’s side declared that their target is to reach the CAF Champions League semis this season, and the trip to achieve that begins in Zambia this Saturday.
However, apart from competing in the Champions League, Simba will also represent the country in the newly formed Africa Football League (AFL) whose inaugural match will be played on October 20th at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
On that day, Simba will face Al Ahly of Egypt in a seemingly tough fixture between the two teams meeting for the second leg match in Egypt a few days later where the overall winner progressed to the semifinals.
As such; the Msimbazi Street Reds have to be on full throttle to come out clean from these two big contests on the continent to keep their reputation high.