Dar es Salaam. Simba have made history again in the CAF Confederation Cup, securing their place in the quarterfinals with a 1-1 draw away to Bravos do Maquis of Angola yesterday (Sunday).
This marks the sixth time in seven seasons that the Tanzanian giants have reached the quarterfinals since 2018, demonstrating their consistent performance on the continental stage.
The match, played at the November 11 Stadium (Estadio Nacional 11 de Novembro) in Talatona, a suburb of Luanda, saw the hosts take the lead early in the 13th minute through Abednego Keoikantse.
The goal came after a mistake from Simba’s Che Malone Fondoh, whose errant back pass gifted the Angolan striker the opportunity to score.
However, Simba showed resilience and equalized in the 69th minute.
Leonel Ateba, the team’s top scorer, finished a brilliant assist from right-back Shomari Kapombe, who provided a pinpoint cross.
Defensive errors and attacking responses
Despite the early setback from Fondoh’s mistake, Simba held their ground and controlled the tempo of the game for large portions of the first half.
The Angolans, though dangerous on the break, could not convert their opportunities.
Samuel Bengue had a glaring miss in the 32nd minute, heading wide from close range when it seemed easier to score.
Simba, not deterred by the goal, quickly responded with a number of their own chances.
In the 38th minute, Kibu Denis rose highest to meet a cross but saw his header saved by Bravos’ Odah.
Just minutes later, Denis hit the crossbar with another header, and then Bravos had a close call of their own in the 45th minute when Joaquim Paciencia unleashed a powerful shot, but it was well saved by Simba’s goalkeeper, Moussa Camara.
Both teams showed attacking intent, but the first half ended with the score still at 1-0 in favor of Bravos, with Simba knowing that they needed at least one goal to secure progression.
Tactical changes pay off for Simba
In the second half, coach Fadlu Davids made decisive substitutions that changed the course of the game.
Yusuph Kagoma and Elie Mpanzu were taken off in the 55th minute, with Debora Fernandes Mavambo and Ladacki Chasambi entering the fray.
These changes gave Simba a new attacking edge, with Mavambo’s creativity and Chasambi’s directness offering more options in the final third.
Simba began to dominate possession in the second half, pushing Bravos deeper into their own half.
The Angolans, who had started the match on the front foot, now found themselves under pressure as Simba’s attack began to click.
Simba’s journey to the quarterfinals
The draw against Bravos do Maquis secured Simba’s qualification with a total of 10 points in Group A, ensuring second place behind CS Constantine of Algeria, who topped the group with 12 points after a 3-0 victory over CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.
The draw also highlighted the resilience of Simba, who have shown excellent form in this year’s competition, even when faced with difficult challenges on the road.
Simba will now look to continue their strong campaign in the quarterfinals, with their final group match set to take place in Dar es Salaam on January 19, 2025, against CS Constantine.
The match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will serve as a thrilling conclusion to the group stage and give Simba the chance to top the group if they manage to secure all three points.
Key match statistics:
Final Score: Bravos do Maquis 1-1 Simba
Shots: 11 (Bravos) – 25 (Simba)
Shots on Target: 5 (Bravos) – 7 (Simba)
Possession: 44% (Bravos) – 56% (Simba)
Pass Accuracy: 322 (Bravos) – 408 (Simba)
Yellow Cards: 1 (Bravos) – 2 (Simba)
Red Cards: 0 (Both teams)
Offside: 4 (Bravos) – 1 (Simba)
Corner Kicks: 6 (Bravos) – 5 (Simba)
