Dar es Salaam. In an evening thick with tension, passion, and drama, Simba SC wrote one of the greatest chapters in Tanzanian football history.
Against the odds, away from home, and under intense pressure on Sunday, April 27, 2025, Simba SC held South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC to a goalless draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium, securing a place in the CAF Confederation Cup final with a 1–0 aggregate victory.
As the final whistle blew, the emotional eruption among Simba’s players and fans was deafening.
It was not just a victory, it was a statement of resilience, unity, and belief a triumph for an entire nation that has waited too long to touch continental glory once again.
The foundation of victory
From the outset, Simba made their intentions clear.
Under the astute leadership of head coach Fadlu Davids, the Tanzanian giants approached the game with a perfect mix of caution and ambition.
Stellenbosch, needing to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Zanzibar, dominated early possession 51 percent to Simba’s 48 percent.
However, for all their forward thrusts, Simba’s defense held firm.
At the heart of that resistance were the heroic figures of Abdulrazack Mohamed Hamza and Chamou Karabou, who marshaled the backline with poise and intelligence.
Goalkeeper Moussa Camara was a rock, calmly handling everything that came his way.
In attack, Simba were measured and clever. When they broke forward, it was with purpose, with Jean Charles Ahoua pulling the strings, Elie Mpanzu and Kibu Denis stretching Stellenbosch’s defense.
Every Simba player left their soul on that pitch, chasing down balls, blocking shots, making tackles it was the evening when heart mattered more than flair.
Emotion on a kinfe-edge
If the football itself wasn’t dramatic enough, the intervention of VAR on three separate occasions ensured the evening would be seared into memory:
First, Simba felt they deserved a penalty when Kibu Denis appeared to be fouled inside the box.
The referee waved play on, but VAR called for a review. After agonizing minutes, the decision stood no penalty.
Second, Stellenbosch thought they had their breakthrough when the referee awarded a penalty after a supposed handball by Karaboue.
But VAR revealed there was no clear contact the call was reversed, and Simba’s hopes soared again.
Third, the stadium exploded when Genino Palace poked the ball home for Stellenbosch in the 76th minute.
Joy turned into despair for the South African fans when VAR spotted an offside in the buildup the goal was chalked off, and Simba’s dream lived on.
Each incident ratcheted up the tension, each verdict felt like a mini-victory for Simba. It was, simply, football drama at its highest level.
This time, a new ending?
Simba’s journey to this point stirred echoes of 1993, when they reached the CAF Cup final.
Back then, Simba fought bravely but were undone by Stella Club d’Adjame of Ivory Coast.
A hard-fought away draw ended in heartbreak at home, losing 2-0 to goals from Kouame Desre Kouakou and N’guessan Serges.
That bitter memory lingers in the hearts of older Wanasimba.
But today, under Durban’s, a new generation announced itself with fire and fury.
This Simba is a different animal more organized, more experienced, and more ruthless.
They know what is at stake not just a trophy, but the chance to rewrite history and cement their name among Africa’s greats.
Who awaits in the final?
Simba’s potential final opponent looks set to be Morocco’s RS Berkane, who thrashed CS Constantine 4-0 in their semifinal first leg.
RS Berkane, twice Confederation Cup winners (2020 and 2022), are no strangers to these big occasions.
They have built a reputation for grinding out results with tactical discipline and physical power.
If Berkane complete the job in their second leg, the final will pit them against a Simba team burning for glory.
What this means for Tanzania?
Simba’s achievement has electrified Tanzania. Not since the days of Yanga SC’s historic CAF Confederation Cup final appearance in 2023 has Tanzanian club football touched such continental heights.
Every Simba victory lifts the Tanzanian Premier League’s profile, inspires young players, and proves that East African football can stand toe-to-toe with Africa’s giants.
Should Simba lift the trophy, they will not only make club history but carry an entire nation to new dreams.
They will show that with vision, investment, and belief, East Africa can conquer Africa.
