CAFCL: Pantev impressed with Simba SC dominance despite draw

Simba SC coach Dimitar Pantev has admitted he was impressed with the way the Tanzania Premier League side managed to dominate possession despite battling to a 0-0 draw against Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini in the return leg of their CAF Champions League on Sunday.

After earning a 3-0 victory in Eswatini, Pantev’s side showed less urgency and were content to maintain their advantage and control possession. The visitors failed to cause any concern about a potential comeback even if Simba supporters were disappointed with their team’s failure to provide much entertainment in the form of the goals against the heavy underdogs.

After a match with few opportunities for either team, the full time whistle arrived at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to confirm a group stage place for the Reds of Msimbazi on a 3-0 aggregate scoreline.

Pantev highlights improvement for Simba

“We tried to win, they also had their chances, but that is the outcome and most importantly we have qualified,” Pantev told Pan-Africa Football. “This football, you can control possession for 90 minutes but come out without anything.

“I am very happy with ball possession, we were better than the previous match, only that we couldn’t create enough chances, and be more aggressive in the final third. We played against a very aggressive opponent, we tried to invite them to open up the game but they proved difficult to break down.”

He added: “We must do better in the group stages, we must score when we create chances, we must learn to shoot, we never had enough shoots on target, and that is why we have a 0-0 result.”

Simba will learn their group stage opponents on November 3 when the draw takes place in Johannesburg.

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