CAFCC: Barker on why Simba versus Stade Malien is ‘massive game for us’

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has revealed why the Tanzanian side must beat Stade Malien in their final group fixture of the CAF Champions League.

The Msimbazi Reds will host the Malian outfit for the final Group D fixture at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium having failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition. Simba are currently lying last in the group without a win having secured one point.

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The two sides met in matchday two on November 30, 2025, with Stade Malien emerging 2-1 winners. While Simba are struggling, Stade Malien are topping the group, and will be seeking a win to increase their tally of points.

Simba want first group win for respect

“It is a big match for us, you know we got ourselves not able to qualify for the knockout stage, and Stade Malien having qualified, for us is an important match in terms of improving,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“We want to continue developing, we want to keep improving, to continue growing. We don’t want to finish the group stage without a win, so, we are preparing as best as we can to ensure that we put a very big performance.

“By putting in a big performance in front of our fans we can get a win. We want to end the group stage on a high note, and get some respect in the continent for Simba, so yeah, it isa massive and important match for us.”

He added: We are really prepared, and we are looking forward to it.”

Speaking on behalf of the players, Selemani Mwalimu said: “It is a huge game, we have to do everything and win. We have not won a single game, and it will not be fair for our fans to come out without a win.”

Simba were held to a 1-1 draw by Petro Atlético on Saturday at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, Angola. The result marked Simba’s fifth match, and confirmed an end to their campaign in the competition.