Photo Credit: Simba SC Tanzania
The group stage of the 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup begins on Wednesday and Group A features Tanzanian giants Simba SC as well as two accomplished North African clubs and underdogs Bravos do Maquis of Angola. Learn more about each club in Group A and read about which players to watch below.
Simba SC (TZA)
Background
Simba SC nicknamed ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’ (The Reds of Msimbazi), has won a total of 22 league titles second to bitter rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC), who have won 30 Tanzanian Premier League titles and five domestic cups and have participated in CAF Champions League multiple times. While the ownership is led by Tanzanian businessman Mohammed Dewji, Africa's youngest billionaire, the supporters of the club own the majority shares in Simba which explains the high level of passionate support the Reds receive.
Apart from Yanga who is considered a giant of Tanzania and CAF Confederation Cup finalist, Simba has participated in CAF tournaments with a runner-up finish in the 1993 edition of the now defunct CAF Cup and four quarterfinal appearances from the last six editions of the CAF Champions League.
How did they qualify?
Simba qualified after finishing in third place at the conclusion of the 2023-24 Tanzanian Premier League.
Qualifying stages
First Round: Bye
Second Round: Defeated Al Ahly Tripoli (LBY) 3-1 on aggregate
Coach: Fadlu Davids
Photo Credit: Simba SC Tanzania
In 2024, Simba confirmed the arrival of South African coach Fadlu Davids on a two-year contract. In 2007, Davids was appointed as a full time head coach for Maritzburg United, almost qualifying them for the 2018-19 Confederation Cup and also reaching the final of the 2017–18 edition of South Africa's Nedbank Cup.
In 2019 he left to join Josef Zinnbauer to assist the German who was hired as head coach at both Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and Moroccan side Raja Casablanca. Following a successful season with Raja where they won Morocco's top division Botola Pro unbeaten, Davids returned to being a head coach with his appointment at Simba.
Important Player: Shomari Kapombe
Photo Credit: Simba SC Tanzania
The 32-year-old defender is one of the most experienced players in Simba’s set up alongside goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
Kapombe is fresh from helping the Tanzania national team qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. A product of Morogoro Youth Academy, the right back will shift his focus to helping Simba perform well in the Confederation Cup. His solid displays and leadership abilities will be key for the Fadlu Davids-led team as they attempt to go far in the inter-club competition.
Author: Dennis Kegengo
CS Sfaxien (TUN)
Background
Based in the city of Sfax on the eastern coas of Tunisia, CS Sfaxien have made their mark in CAF competition before. Nicknamed the "Arabian Juventus" due to their white and black striped uniforms, CSS came just short of winning the CAF Champions League in 2006 and reached the semifinals during the 2014-15 season. However the Confederation Cup is where Les Sfaxiens have the most success, winning the competition three times (2007, 2008 and 2013).
Sometimes CSS does not get the attention a club of its stature is worthy of due to the influence of Tunis giants Espérance and Étoile but with 16 domestic trophies and 4 continental triumphs this club has a strong tradition of success.
How did they qualify?
CS Sfaxien qualified following a third place finish during the 2023-24 Tunisia Ligue 1 season.
Qualifying stages
First Round: Bye
Second Round: Defeated Rukinzo (BDI) 2-0 on aggregate
Coach: Alexandre Santos
Photo Credit: Club Sportif Sfaxien
The 48-year-old Portuguese coach spent time as an assistant at many top clubs in his native country as well as abroad in the Middle East, particularly in United Arab Emirates. Santos is now becoming a big name in African football as a manager due to his spell in charge of Angolan titans Petro de Luanda whom he led to the semifinals of the 2021-22 CAF Champions League upsetting Mamelodi Sundowns along the way.
Now in the unforgiving scene of North African club football, Santos and his squad are off to an indifferent start in Tunisia's Ligue 1 and now the real challenge begins with the dawn of the Confederation Cup campaign. A good start may be necessary for Santos to avoid the increased pressure of competing on both the domestic and continental front.
Important Player: Aymen Dahmen
Photo Credit: Club Sportif Sfaxien
A club legend from Sfax who developed in the CSS youth system, Dahmen left for the riches of Saudi football for the 2023-24 season with Al-Hazem but returned to his hometown club after suffering relegation from the Saudi Pro League with Hazem. The 27-year-old is a regular in the Tunisia national team, mostly as a backup option but he started all three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he only conceded one goal. A reliable shot stopper, Dahmen continues to grow into a leader and the face of the club.
Bravos do Maquis (ANG)
Background
The pride of eastern Angola's Moxico province, Bravos do Maquis was founded in 1983 by a group of owners who wanted to pay homage to those who lost their life in Angola's fight for independence from Portugal. This will be the club's debut in CAF club competition; in 2015 Bravos won the Taça de Angola (Angola Cup) but were unable to take part in the Confederation Cup the following season due to financial constraints.
Os Maquisardes defied the odds to reach the group stage and there is nothing to lose for a club that is not considered among the elite clubs in Angolan football. However there is evidence that Bravos can make life difficult for its fellow Group A clubs.
How did they qualify?
Bravos qualified for the Confederation Cup after finishing as runners-up in the 2024 Taça de Angola where they fell to to Petro de Luanda, who qualified for the CAF Champions League as Angolan league champions.
Qualifying stages
First Round: Defeated Coastal Union (TZA) 3-0 on aggregate
Second Round: Defeated FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo (COD) 3-1 on aggregate
Coach: Mário Soares
Photo Credit: Bravos do Maquis do Moxico
Soares took over in December 2022 and has done very well after inheriting a club that was struggling for survival in Angola's top division Girabola. The 58-year-old has plenty of experience in Angolan club football, particularly as Desportivo Huila. Soares acknowledged the higher level of the clubs Bravos will face in Group A but the tactician also expressed that his team is capable of providing a firm challenge following a successful preseason and beginning to the 2024-25 Girabola campaign where Bravos currently sit in 5th position.
Important Player: Rúben Adérito
Photo Credit: Bravos do Maquis do Moxico
A local product from the Moxico province, Rúben is a promising central defender whose height (190 cm) and strength are evident when he competes for aerial duels. The 21-year-old made his debut during the 2021-22 season and is now one of the most important players at the club along with fellow defender Samy.
Rúben represented Angola at the 2023 COSAFA Cup where he played 90 minutes in two group stage matches. In a team that lacks star players in the attack and excels more on the defensive end, Rúben and the defensive unit will be crucial for Bravos to have any hope of advancing out of Group A.
Author: Andrew Olsson
CS Constantine (ALG)
Background
In Algerian football the clubs from the capital often get the most attention but along with JS Kabylie, CS Constantine are a prominent club that continues to enjoy success and passionate support. One of the oldest clubs in Algeria, CSC are located in northeast Algeria eighty kilometers from the Mediterranean coast.
This will be the club's fifth appearance in CAF club competitions with two showings in the Champions League (quarterfinal finish in 2018-19) and now their third in the CAF Confederation Cup where they are making their group stage debut. After a promising start to the 2024-25 Algeria Ligue 1 season where they currently sit at the top of the table, CSC have high ambitions and the talent required to make a deep run in the Confederation Cup.
How did they qualify?
CS Constantine qualified by finishing in third place at the conclusion of the 2023-24 Ligue 1 season.
Qualifying stages
First Round: Defeated Police FC (RWA) 4-1 on aggregate
Second Round: Defeated Nsoatreman (GHA) 3-0 on aggregate
Coach: Kheïreddine Madoui
Photo Credit: CSC - Club Sportif Constantinois
Following the departure of veteran coach Abdelkader Amrani in July, who is now at CR Belouizdad, CSC recovered quickly with the hiring of Madoui who is a very accomplished coach. The 47-year-old won the 2014 CAF Champions League with ES Sétif becoming the youngest coach to lead a club to the final of the competition as well as win it, a feat that won him CAF Coach of the Year.
Madoui is off to a strong start to life in Constantine where he is enjoying his second spell at the club so far. With the experience between Madoui and his squad there is a strong possibility of qualification to the quarterfinals.
Important Player: Brahim Dib
Photo Credit: CSC - Club Sportif Constantinois
The 31-year-old is a true playmaker for CSC since joining in 2020 where he continues to be one of the best creative midfielders in Algeria's Ligue 1. Dib enjoyed his most productive season in the 2023-24 campaign with 13 goals and 8 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. He is continuing his good form with 6 goals and 2 assists in 13 matches early in the current season.
A technically accomplished player who excels at providing the final ball or finishing goals himself, the captain is the key to success for CSC and is one of the most influential players in the Confederation Cup.
Author: Andrew Olsson
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