CAFCC: Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says Simba SC beatable

Simba SC v Stellenboch: Photo Credit: Stellenbosch FC.

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says he is confident in his team's ability to overcome the away 1-0 loss to Simba SC in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals.

The South African coach said this in a post-match interview after the Betway Premiership team’s defeat in Tanzania in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinal, first leg match on Sunday.

Barker said his team was capable of winning the second leg match and qualifying for the final. “We were the stronger team. We got better, and we were trying to get an away goal…I am very confident that next week, we will overcome this deficit and be in the final,” he said.

“There is no surety that we will get to the final, but based on what I have seen, Simba are beatable.”

The Tanzania Premier League side, coached by South African Fadlu Davids, won the game courtesy of Jean Ahoua's strike two minutes into first-half added time. The reverse semi-final fixture will take place in South Africa on April 27.

Earlier, Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens said the South African club is viewed as underdogs going into Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup semifinals. He told Stellenbosch media that being viewed as underdogs has helped them to remain humble and prove their quality on the pitch.

Barker’s men have come a long way in the continental competition and attracted attention after they stunned Zamalek SC 1-0 in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter final second leg at the Cairo International Stadium recently to qualify for the last-four stage. The first-leg ended goalless.

It is a feat for Steve Barker's men, who are participating in the competition for the first time.