A controversial first-half goal secured Tanzanian giants Simba SC a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first-leg at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday afternoon.
Ivorian midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua netted the only goal of the match just before the half-time break.
The match was moved to the 15,000-seater due to the unavailability of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is temporarily closed for maintenance work.
The home side dominated play and showed intentions to take the lead early in the game. Oscarine Masuluke was tested with a few attempts from Simba but showed his qualities with some great saves. On the other hand, the Betway Premiership side looked more like a side that wanted to secure a draw with no sense of urgency.
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The moment of drama came on the stroke of half-time after Stellenbosch conceded a free-kick closer to the 18-yard area. The home side capitalised on the opportunity with a stunning goal by Jean Charles Ahoua.
But the goal looked like an offside. This is after striker Simba forward Denis Prosper Kibu interfered with play while he was in an offside position. Following a Video Assistant Referee [VAR], Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo allowed the goal to stand, taking the match to 1-0 at the half-time break.
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Simba nearly doubled the lead five minutes into the second-half. But a header by Ahoua from close range missed the target.
Stellenbosch put in a brave fight in the second-half, but the home side’s defence remained solid.
Simba missed a glorious opportunity to double the lead when Ahoua, who had dribbled past Stellenbosch players, including goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke, missed the target.
The reverse fixture is set to be hosted at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday, 27 April.
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