Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC keep CAF Confed Cup dream alive
Fadlu Davids’ Simba SC put up a performance full of passion and energy against Al Masry to storm into the CAF Confederations Cup semi-finals on Wednesday afternoon.
They beat Al Masry 2-0, forcing the two legs to end 2-2 on aggregate. They wrapped up the win after dispatching the Egyptians 4-1 on penalties.
The match was played at the lively Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Simba SC came into this one trailing 2-0, having lost in the first-leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final played at the New Suerz Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
Al Masry got their goals from Abderrahim Deghmoum and John Ebuka. Nevertheless, Fadlu Davids and his men came into this one bubbling with confidence of overturning the two-goal deficit. Simply put, they needed a 3-0 win.
Ahead of the match, Davids said: “It’s not over. We believe. We want our fans to believe. So we want our fans to come there behind us. If we execute our game plan for 90 minutes, we stand a very good chance of qualifying.”
HOW SIMBA SC FARED AGAINST AL MASRY
Spurred by their fervent home supporters, Wekundu wa Msimbazi dominated the early exchanges in terms of ball possession. In 15 minutes, they had three shots on target but could not breach the Al Masry goalkeeper, Mahmoud Gad.
However, they rightfully snatched the lead after 22 minutes of play via right winger, Elie Mpanzu Kibisawala. That goal was all they needed to take full control of proceedings in the first-half.
From then on, Davids’ men launched attack after attack as the Egyptians sat back, absorbing the intense pressure. Ten minutes later, Ugandan Steven Mukwala doubled Simba SC’s lead as they continued with their dominance.
They had two more good chances which they failed to bury just before the break. And they went to the half-time break leading 2-0.
However, the second-half proved to be a cagey affair as Al Masry came back organised in the defence to keep Simba SC’s attackers at bay. That forced the match to the dreaded penalties, where Simba SC won.
Davids and his Simba SC will face Betway Premiership outfit Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals.
In the other matches played, RS Berkane beat ASEC Mimosas 2-0 to seal their place in the semi-finals. The match was played at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.
Meanwhile CS Constantine qualified to the next stage after beating USM Alger 4-3 on penalties. The match played at the Stade du 5 Juillet had ended 2-2 on aggregate. RS Berkane and CS Constantine will face off in the semi-finals.
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