SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids has lauded his technical staff and fans after guiding the Tanzanian giants to a historic semi-final spot in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time, following a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Egypt’s Al Masry at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“First of all, I want to congratulate my technical team,” Davids (pictured) said during his post-match remarks. “The work that goes on behind the scenes the medical staff managing injuries, the analysts decoding every movement of the opposition it’s unbelievable. This win is a result of collective effort.”

Davids was full of praise for the team’s meticulous preparation ahead of the penalty shootout, highlighting the role played by Simba’s analysis unit in studying Al Masry’s penalty takers. 

Their research paid off handsomely, as goalkeeper Moussa Camara saved two spot-kicks to seal Simba’s victory after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.

“A lot of the time, only the head coach or players get recognized. But in this case, our technical staff deserve massive credit. It was a collective win on and off the field,” said the South African tactician.

He also reserved a heartfelt tribute to Simba’s fans, who turned out in large numbers despite adverse weather conditions to cheer their team to victory.

“This one is for the fans,” Davids declared. “They showed up even in the rain, they’ve stood by us through ups and downs, and today, their energy carried us. Their passion is unmatched, and we felt it from the first minute to the last.”

Despite the momentous achievement, Davids remained grounded and quickly turned his attention to the bigger picture.

“We’re happy to be in the semi-finals, but we’re not done yet,” he said. “We’re building something. The goal is not just to reach the semi-final, we want to be the best club in Africa. We’re already identifying key signings for next season. The CAF Champions League is also in our sights.”

Simba’s win marks a significant milestone in the club’s history. It is the first time the Msimbazi Street-based side has reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup since its inception in 2004. 

The last time Simba went this far in continental competition was back in 1993, when they reached the final of the now-defunct CAF Cup, which later merged with the Cup Winners’ Cup to form the current CAF Confederation Cup.

Coming into the quarter-final second leg, Simba faced an uphill battle. They had lost the first leg 2-0 away in Egypt. However, inspired by their home form and driven by their motto “Hii Tunavuka” (“We are crossing this one”), Simba fought back in front of their faithful at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The turnaround began in the 22nd minute when Elie Mpanzu rifled in a powerful shot past Al Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Ahmed ‘Gad’, following a precise assist from Shomari Kapombe. 

The early goal electrified the stadium and gave Simba the belief that they could overturn the deficit.

The momentum continued, and in the 33rd minute, Ugandan forward Steven Mukwala rose highest to head in a pinpoint cross from Mohammed Hussein, sending Simba into halftime with a 2-0 lead and the aggregate score level at 2-2.

By the end of the first half, Simba had registered 15 shots and over 60% possession, showing a clear intent to dominate and progress. Al Masry managed only four shots in comparison, with two on target.

With the game tied after 90 minutes and no extra time in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals, the match headed straight into a penalty shootout.

Simba’s players showed composure under pressure, converting all four of their penalties through Jean Charles Ahoua, Mukwala, Kibu Denis, and Kapombe. 

In contrast, Al Masry could only manage one successful attempt through Fakhreddine Ben Youssef. The other two efforts by Mohamed Hussein ‘Mido’ and Mahmoud Awad Hassan Elsayed were brilliantly stopped by Moussa Camara, who emerged as the hero of the night.

As the final whistle confirmed Simba’s passage to the last four, celebrations erupted across the stadium. Jubilant fans broke into chants, calling for another win in the semi-finals to secure a place in the final.

Simba’s remarkable comeback and poise in the shootout not only broke a 32-year continental knockout curse but also reignited hopes that the club can go even further. 

The focus now shifts to the semi-finals, where Simba will aim to continue their fairytale run and cement their place among Africa’s football elite.