SA coach Fadlu Davids led Simba SC to the historic CAF Confederation Cup final after a 0-0 draw in the semi-final second-leg against Stellenbosch at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, winning 1-0 on aggregate.
In what will be their first CAF competition final ever, ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’, as they are well-known, will face off against Constantine or Berkane in the next match.
Simba came into this match with a 1-0 aggregate advantage, thanks to Jean Ahoua’s goal in the first leg in Tanzania.
Steve Barker reshuffled his starting lineup with three substitutions – Chumani Butsaka, Andre De Jong, and Khomotjo Lekoane replaced Ibraheem Jabaar, Devin Titus, and Lesiba Nku.
Meanwhile, former Orlando Pirates coach Fadlu Davids made no change, fielding with the same eleven players that started in their first leg which they won 1-0 last week.
The game kicked off at a high tempo with action immediately moving from one end to the other. At some point, the side from the Easy African country found themselves under considerable pressure from Stellenbosch.
SIMBA PENALTY OVERTURNED
Simba thought they had found a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 13th minute when the referee awarded a penalty after Steven Mukwala appeared to have been fouled in the box.
However, following a VAR review, the referee overturned the penalty decision and instead penalised Simba with a free-kick for simulation.
After the half-hour mark, Stellenbosch started to dominate possession somewhat and created a couple of clear-cut goal-scoring chances but couldn’t convert them.
In the 34th minute, Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara was called into action, making a save after Butsaka cut inside and unleashed a shot from inside the box.
The match went to halftime with 0-0 scoreline on the scoreboard.
STELLENBOSCH’S ATTACK-MINDED CHANGES IN THE SECOND HALF
In the second half, the Cape Winelands side continued putting the visitors under pressure but were struggling to find the breakthrough.
In the 54th minute, Stellenbosch were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Karaboue Chamou’s hand in the box, but the referee overturned the decision following a VAR review.
Moments later, Barker made attack-minded changes introducing Sanele Barns and Genino Palace eliminating Butsaka Butsaka and Lekoloane. He later subbed off Kazie Lekoloane for Lesiba Nku.
In the 74th minute, Oscarine Masuluke made a fantastic save to deny Elie Mpanzu’s powerful shot from outside the box.
Later, Stellenbosch had a goal disallowed by VAR after the review determined that the assist provider, Andre De Jong, was in an offside position.
A significant chance fell to Barns in the 84th minute, however, his attempt to level the score hit the side netting.
Late in the game, Camara made crucial saves, ensuring his team maintained their lead until the final whistle.
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