Dar es Salaam. The stage is set for a thrilling clash in the CAF Confederation Cup as Simba SC, fresh off a hard-fought penalty victory over Bravos do Maquis, takes on Algerian giants CS Constantine in the heart of Algeria today (Sunday).
Both teams are eager to build on their promising starts to the group stages, making this encounter a battle of wits, willpower, and tactical discipline.
Simba, determined to break their away jinx in Algeria, will look to make a statement at the Stade Chahid Hamlaoui, a venue where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
With the match scheduled for 7:00 PM East African Time, under the watchful eyes of Malawian referee Godfrey Nkhakananga, the tension is already building.
For Simba, this match is about more than just three points; it’s a matter of survival, pride, and positioning themselves for a successful run in the tournament.
Their mission? To leave Algeria with either a crucial win or a hard-fought draw, ensuring they stay on track to advance from a tough group that also includes the unpredictable CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.
But standing in Simba’s way is a team that has already proven their mettle, especially on home soil.
CS Constantine, fresh off a 1-0 victory against Sfaxien, will be determined to extend their perfect run and solidify their status among Africa’s elite.
For Simba, the challenge is clear: defy the odds, silence the home crowd, and take a giant step toward securing a place in the knockout stages.
Simba’s record in Algeria and what’s at stake
Simba’s history in Algeria is far from a fairy tale. The Tanzanian side has visited this football-crazy country twice before, but their results have been less than favorable.
In 2019, they were defeated 2-0 by JS Saoura in the CAF Champions League group stage, and in 2012, they were knocked out 3-1 by ES Sétif in the CAF Confederation Cup, despite a solid home win.
With this being their third trip to Algeria, Simba will need to overcome these past demons to leave with points.
Yet, despite their struggles on Algerian soil, this Simba squad arrives in Constantine with renewed hope.
Coach Fadlu Davids has instilled a sense of belief and attacking intent, with key players like Jean Charles Ahoua and Leonel Ateba firing on all cylinders.
Ahoua, in particular, has been in sensational form, scoring five goals in the Tanzanian Premier League and establishing himself as a central figure in Simba’s attack.
Alongside him, Ateba and Steven Mukwala will aim to provide the necessary firepower to break down Constantine’s defense.
CS Constantine: A team on the rise
On the other side of the pitch, CS Constantine enters this fixture as one of Algeria’s strongest teams.
Currently leading the Algerian Ligue 1 with 19 points from 11 matches, they have been solid but not spectacular in attack, scoring just 12 goals so far.
However, it’s their defense, led by star man Brahim Dib, that has caught the eye.
Dib’s vision and ability to unlock defenses make him a player Simba will need to closely monitor throughout the match.
Another danger man is Zakaria Benchaâ, whose pace and flair in attack can cause havoc in Simba’s backline.
Constantine’s form in this season’s Confederation Cup has been impressive.
They won their opening group match 1-0 away to CS Sfaxien, and in the qualifying rounds, they dispatched Police Rwanda and Nsoatreman with comfortable victories.
This success, coupled with their strong home form, makes them a formidable opponent for the Tanzanians.
The key to victory for Simba
For Simba to succeed, they will need to stay disciplined and organized at the back while making the most of their attacking opportunities.
Defensive errors have cost them in the past, but with goalkeeper Moussa Camara enjoying an outstanding season and a solid defensive line, the challenge will be to hold firm against Constantine’s attacking threats.
Offensively, Simba must strike the right balance—pressing high while remaining mindful of counter-attacks.
If Ahoua, Ateba, and Mukwala can link up and exploit any defensive weaknesses in Constantine’s backline, they could very well return to Tanzania with a crucial result.
A defining moment for both teams
Both teams have ambitions of going far in this competition, and this match will go a long way in determining who has the edge in Group A.
For CS Constantine, it’s about consolidating their strong start and asserting dominance on home soil.
For Simba, it’s a chance to show they belong on the continental stage and prove they can stand toe-to-toe with Africa’s best—not only survive in Algeria but thrive.
The result of this encounter will shape the trajectory of both teams’ CAF campaigns, and with everything on the line, expect a high-intensity, fiercely contested match under the floodlights of Stade Chahid Hamlaoui.
