Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Simba SC showcased remarkable strength in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, which concluded over the weekend, finishing atop Group A with 13 points from four wins, one draw, and one loss.
These results highlighted the team’s ability to handle pressure and compete against top-tier African sides.
Analyzing the statistics from each match, it is clear that Simba maintained possession in many of their games, while showcasing significant attacking potential despite the challenge of not fully capitalizing on the opportunities they created.
In their opening match against Bravos do Maquis from Angola, Simba emerged 1-0 winners.
They dominated possession with 52 percent and created 15 goal attempts, with two on target.
Bravos do Maquis had 48 percent possession and only six goal attempts, failing to convert.
Simba’s pass accuracy was 80 percent (310 out of 387), which played a vital role in controlling the game and securing the crucial win.
Simba suffered a 2-1 defeat to Algeria’s Constantine in their second match.
Despite the loss, the team showed great resilience.
They had 49 percent possession, slightly less than Constantine’s 51percent, and produced six goal attempts, one of which was on target.
Constantine had nine attempts, with three on goal.
Simba’s pass accuracy stood at 76 percent (327 out of 432), but they struggled to finish their chances.
In another match against CS Sfaxien from Tunisia, Simba delivered a dominant 2-1 win, with a remarkable 80 percent possession.
They attempted 18 goals, with seven on target, although they missed several opportunities.
Their passing was superb, with an 84 percent completion rate (540 out of 645), showing their control over the game.
CS Sfaxien, on the other hand, had only 20 percent possession and struggled to break through Simba’s defense.
In the return leg against CS Sfaxien, Simba triumphed 1-0 despite having just 44 percent possession.
They made seven goal attempts, scoring once, and completed 318 passes with a 73 percent accuracy.
While they had less possession, their defensive solidity and efficiency in attack secured another vital win.
CS Sfaxien created six goal attempts but failed to score.
Simba’s fifth match against Bravos do Maquis ended in a 1-1 draw.
They controlled 56 percent of the possession and created 25 goal attempts, seven of which were on target.
Their passing accuracy was exceptional at 83 percent (340 out of 408), but they struggled to convert their chances.
This draw secured Simba’s qualification for the quarter-finals with 10 points, putting them in a strong position to progress.
In their final group match, Simba delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over Constantine.
With 69 percent possession, they created 20 goal attempts, five of which were on target.
Their passing accuracy reached an impressive 88 percent (559 out of 632), the highest in their group stage games.
This dominant performance confirmed Simba’s place at the top of Group A, solidifying their strong position ahead of the quarter-finals.
Simba SC head coach, Fadlu Davids, expressed his joy and pride in securing qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals after finishing top of Group A.
Speaking after the group stage, Davids emphasized that this achievement was the result of the hard work put in by the entire team, stressing the importance of continued dedication as they enter the next phase.
“We knew the group stage would be tough, but the team showed great determination and effort,” Davids stressed.
Adding: “We faced strong sides like Constantine, CS Sfaxien, and Bravos do Maquis, but through teamwork, we managed to top the group and qualify for the quarter-finals.
“This is an important milestone, but our journey is far from over.”
The coach added that despite the positive results, the team is focused on improving every aspect of their game.
He acknowledged that the quarter-final stage will bring even tougher challenges, but they are determined to keep pushing for further success.
“The quarter-finals will be another big challenge. We’ll face teams of high quality, but we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip,” he emphasized.
“We need to stay sharp in finishing our chances and strengthening our defense. When we talk about Simba, we talk about a team united by strength, a shared drive, and a determination to succeed.”
Match Stats Breakdown
Simba 1-0 Bravos do Maquis
52% Ball Possession 48%
15 Goal attempts 6
2 Shots on Goal 4
9 Shots off Goal 2
4 Blocked Shots 0
80% (310/387) Passes 74% (149/202)
Constantine (Alg) 2- 1 Simba (Tan)
51% Ball possession 49%
9 Goal attempts 6
3 Shots on goal 1
3 Shots off goal 4
3 Blocked shots 1
82% (444/539) Passes 76% (327/432)
Simba (Tan) 2 – 1 CS Sfaxien (Tun)
80% Ball possession 20%
18 Goal Attempts 5
7 Shots on Goal 2
7 Shots off Goal 2
4 Blocked Shots 1
84% (540/645) Passes 54% (110/205)
CS Sfaxien (Tun) 0- 1 Simba (Tan)
56% Ball possession 44%
6 Goal attempts 7
1 Shots on goal 2
3 Shots off goal 2
2 Blocked shots 3
73% (318/433) Passes 63% (212/337)
Bravos do Maquis (Ang) 1-1 Simba (Tan)
44% Ball possession 56%
12 Goal attempts 25
5 Shots on goal 7
6 Shots off Goal 12
1 Blocked shots 6
75% (241/322) Passes 83% (340/408)
Simba (Tan) 2-0 Constantine (Alg)
69% Ball possession 31%
20 Goal attempts 2
5 Shots on goal 2
14 Shots off Goal 0
1 Blocked shots 0
88% (559/632) Passes 70% (193/276)
