CAFCL: Barker maintains Simba SC versus Espérance will be critical test

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has explained why the Tanzanian club must secure victory in their away CAF Champions League fixture against Espérance Sportive de Tunis on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants will head into the game having not won their first two matches in group stages. Simba lost their opener 1-0 against Petro de Luanda, before suffering a 2-1 home defeat against Malian side Stade Malien.

Simba have responsibility to win the match

“It is obviously a critical game for both teams, I think if you look at the log table, both of ourselves are in need of a win,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“That aspect makes it a very important match, and we are here to get that first win. But we know it won’t be easy, but we are ready to make it happen.”

Barker added: “You know Simba being a big team on the continent obviously, want to make a mark in the Champions League, and you know they are desperate for success in the continent.

“I cannot speak for the first two games, I was not there, but having watched both games, Simba were unlucky not to get four points from the games, so it is our responsibility to win the match tomorrow (Saturday), and in the return leg next week to ensure we pick up points to get ourselves back into contention to qualify for the knockout stage.

Simba have strengthened in different areas

Speaking on the new signings, Barker said: “I think for the last few weeks we have made a couple of signings to strengthen the team, you know it not only Clatous (Chama) we brought in recently, but all round the team in different areas.

“All round the pitch, we have up to six players we have brought into the squad to strengthen the team, so there is a lot of optimism, when looking at them in training, Simba is definitely a strong team that what they were in the past two matches of the group stage, and we hope they will have an impact.”

Speaking on behalf of the players, defender Rushine De Reuck, said: “I think it is going to be a very critical game, obviously we need our first win, against a very difficult opponent.

“There is a lot to play for, but we are very optimistic to get it out of the group, we have trained very and looking positive towards the game, and have a good performance, and get that first win.”

Just like Simba, ES Tunis are winless from their opening two matches, managing two draws to stay third on the log table.