CAFCC: Simba SC will strive for away goal against Al Masry – Davids

Photo Credit – Simba SC Tanzania.

Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids has discussed the importance for the Tanzanian club to secure an away goal when they take on Egyptian side Al Masry in the first leg fixture of the Caf Confederation Cup.

The Msimbazi Reds will come up against the Egyptian side in the first leg of the quarter-final clash at the New Suez Stadium on Wednesday, 2 April, before they return home to host the same side in the return leg on Wednesday, 9 April.

The Tanzanian giants have already arrived in Cairo, just a day after they were involved in a domestic Cup fixture – the Federation Cup – where they secured a 2-1 win to qualify for the next stage of the knockout competition.

“The focus is on securing an away goal,” said Davids. “In matches like this, the weight of an away goal is extremely important.

“We understand that the match will be decided at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, so whether we win, lose, or draw in Egypt, the crucial part of the tie will come back to Dar es Salaam.”

On facing Al Masry, the South African coach said: “Al Masry is probably the strongest team we have faced in the competition so far. They play with a three-man defence, are quite aggressive and press high. It’s going to be a tough away match, but we have done our homework. We have watched their games and are fully prepared. We know it won’t be easy, but we believe in our team. We are focused on getting through this match and securing a result that will put us in a good position for the return leg.”

He concluded: “When I was coaching Orlando Pirates, we reached the final but lost to Berkane on penalties. That experience gives me extra motivation to win this tournament, but right now we can’t think about the final. Our focus is entirely on Al Masry and overcoming them to qualify for the semi-finals.”

Simba have reached the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League on three occasions— 2020/21, 2022/23 and 2023/24—and made it to the same stage in the CAF Confederation Cup during the 2021/22 season.

Simba SC squad in Egypt;

Goalkeepers; Moussa Camara, Ally Salim, Hussein Abel.

Defenders; Karaboue Chamou, Abdurazak Hamza, Mohamed Hussein, Shomari Kapombe, Valentine Nouma, David Kameta, Kelvin Kijili.

Midfielders; Yusuph Kagoma, Fabrice Ngoma, Elie Mpanzu, Debora Fernandes, Ladack Chasambi, Kibu Denis, Awesu Awesu, Jean Charles Ahoua, Augustine Oke Jepha, Joshua Mutale.

Strikers; Leonel Ateba and Steven Mukwala.