Dar es Salaam. A dramatic last-minute goal by Kibu Denis proved to be the turning point as Simba SC secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in their CAF Confederation Cup group stage match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The win kept Simba’s hopes alive for the knockout stage of the competition.
The match ended in chaos after the final whistle when referee Andofetra Avombitana from Madagascar was surrounded by CS Sfaxien players, dissatisfied with his decisions.
The Tunisian side claimed that the referee had not blown the final whistle even after the added minutes had elapsed, and that Simba’s second goal was scored after the official time had ended
The situation quickly escalated into a confrontation that lasted more than 10 minutes, involving both players and officials from the Tunisian side.
Security personnel, including stewards, were forced to intervene, escorting the referee off the field under heavy protection.
The situation worsened when several Sfaxien players not only confronted the referee but also exchanged words with the stewards, leading to a physical altercation.
To restore order, police officers entered the field, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
The tension was further heightened when a few Simba fans breached the stadium’s perimeter and entered the pitch.
However, the police swiftly intervened, managing to calm the situation and return things to normal.
Following the altercation, CS Sfaxien players refused to return to their dressing room for over 30 minutes.
Instead, they gathered at their bench, visibly holding out for a resolution to their complaints.
Stewards formed a protective circle around the players for safety while they awaited further instructions from the game officials.
Despite the turmoil, Simba’s supporters were in jubilant spirits as they left the stadium, celebrating the important victory that strengthened their position in the group stage of the continental competition.
The match itself saw an early lead by CS Sfaxien, but Simba responded quickly.
Kibu Denis scored in the 7th minute to level the score. Then, in injury time, Denis completed his brace, sealing the win and sending the crowd into raptures.
The incident has sparked significant debate regarding the discipline of CS Sfaxien’s players and officials, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to take further disciplinary action.
