CAFCC: AS Simba coach explains Kaizer Chiefs’ stalemate

AS Simba coach Daoula Lupembe has reacted to their goalless draw with Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup match.

Going into the second preliminary round match, the hosts seemed determined to cause an upset. Simba had garnered support from TP Mazembe fans to create an intimidating atmosphere for the Betway Premiership club.

However, after 90 minutes of sweat, both titans could not find a breakthrough with all to fight for going into the reverse leg in South Africa this weekend.

Reflecting on the match, Lupembe felt his charges’ inexperience, especially upfront, undermined their push for a goal.

“We have a young workforce discovering the high level. Not totally disappointed, but already looking for the rematch,” the coach told his club’s media.

Earlier, Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef suggested that his side failed to win the game because they faced challenges, including that five players were struck by a severe stomach bug, hours before kickoff against AS Simba.

While the pitch conditions were a known factor, Ben Youssef dropped a bombshell post-match, pointing to the team’s hotel food as the source of a widespread illness that threatened to derail their continental ambitions.

The two teams will meet again at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday with the overall winner proceeding to the group stages of the continental competition.

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