CAFCC: Simba SC showed 'true character' to sink stubborn Stellenbosch – Matola

Photo Credit - Simba SC Tanzania.

Simba SC assistant coach Suleiman Matola has revealed how the team managed to eliminate Stellenbosch in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Msimbazi Reds secured a historic 1-0 aggregate win to reach the final of the inter-club competition. During the return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Simba's strategy was to restrict Stellies from creating goalscoring opportunities, ensuring their 1-0 home win was enough to seal their place in the final.

Speaking to Pan-Africa Football, Matola recalled the team's instructions before kick-off: “It was not an easy job, we knew it was going to be tough against a difficult and stubborn side, but our plan was to score an early goal and put them out of the game. We managed to create many chances, but when we couldn’t score. We decided to defend the advantage we had from the first leg.

“We remained cautious but decided we should not concede any away goals, and the players showed true character. They defended well, they repelled any effort from our opponents to score, and we finally managed to get what we wanted, and a ticket to the final.

“I want to congratulate the players because they followed instructions as we asked them to, they did what we wanted them to do, and on the technical bench, we are proud of the players."

The achievement marked a historic return to the final for Simba – a feat last achieved in 1993 when they reached the final of the then CAF Cup. On that occasion, they were defeated by Ivory Coast outfit Stella Club d’Adjamé, drawing 0-0 away in Abidjan before losing 2-0 in the return leg at the then National Stadium (now renamed Uhuru Stadium).

Simba will now face RS Berkane in the final. The Moroccan side overcame CS Constantine, winning the first leg 4-0 before losing 1-0 in the return match on Sunday.