Simba SC coach Fadlu Davids is drawing lessons from the recent CAF Champions League semi-final outcomes, highlighting the unpredictable nature of continental football as his troops take on Stellenbosch FC.
The Tanzanian giants are leading 1-0 after the first-leg in Zanzibar. A draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday would secure the former Orlando Pirates coach a historic spot in the final.
Davids was referring to Pirates’ elimination by Pyramids FC while Sundowns secured a draw against Al Ahly to secure a final spot via the away goals rule in the return legs. Both games were played on Friday in Cairo.
Meanwhile, the winner of the match between Simba and Stellies will face either RSB Berkane of Morocco or CS Constantine of Algeria in the final. Berkane are firm favourites, commanding a 4-0 lead from the first-leg.
SIMBA SC ON THE BRINK OF RE-WRITING HISTORY UNDER SOUTH AFRICAN COACH
Simba are chasing a first continental final appearance since 1993. They lost in the CAF Cup final to Ivorian side Stella Adjame.
WHAT LESSON DID FADLU DAVIDS LEARN FROM THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS?
“The Champions League has shown us that you can not predict matches of this magnitude,” said Davids on Saturday.
“Everybody probably expected Al Ahly to win, but Sundowns came in with an away goal. On the other side, everybody probably expected Pirates to go through.
“Pirates scored two away goals, and they were not guaranteed to qualify, and that shows us there is no big club or small club. It’s about who can manage the expectations of a big match, a semi-final second-leg.
“It was very important for us to keep a clean sheet. But we know we have a big job to do here in the second-leg.”
Kick-off for the return-leg match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is scheduled for 15:00.
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