SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids remained defiant despite his team’s 2-0 defeat to Al Masry in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter final at New Suez Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt on Wednesday evening.

Speaking in the post match press conference, Davids (pictured) acknowledged his side’s shortcomings but insisted the tie is far from decided, urging fans to rally behind the Msimbazi Reds for the return leg in Dar es Salaam.

Davids admitted Simba started sluggishly, allowing Al Masry to seize the initiative early on. 

“It’s only half time. We will go to Tanzania for the second leg. I don’t think we started the game very well. First 15-20 minutes we were a little bit afraid. Not winning the duels, not always second to the ball,” he said.

The hosts capitalized in the 16th minute through Abderrahim Deghmoum, a goal Davids pinpointed as the moment his team finally “woke up” and began to play.

The South African tactician praised his side’s response, particularly after the break. 

“Much better performance in the second half of the first half. And then of course completely dominant in the second half. 60% possession, 18 shots, 7 on target for an away team. It’s not normal,” he noted.

Yet, he lamented their naivety in front of goal, with clear chances to equalize or even take the lead going begging. 

Al Masry’s Nigerian striker John Ebuka punished that wastefulness with a late strike in the 89th minute, securing a two-goal cushion.

Despite the loss, Davids’ belief in his squad remains unshaken. 

“It’s not over. We believe. We want our fans to believe. We want our fans to come there behind us. If we execute our game plan for 90 minutes, we stand a very good chance of qualifying,” he declared.

He cautioned, however, that Al Masry’s potential away goal in the second leg means Simba must score at least two more than their opponents to progress.

The coach described the defeat as a painful but valuable lesson for his young squad. 

“It’s very painful to see the players after a match like this. But with a young team, the only way to learn is to sometimes get a hit over the head. And that’s what they got today. That’s the time where you grow,” he said.

Davids vowed to analyze the game thoroughly, promising an ‘even more dominant performance’ next week to make Simba fans proud.

Turning to the supporters, Davids issued an impassioned plea. 

“We still have a chance, but we need the fans behind us. I feel for them. Very disappointed with the result. But I’m sure they’re proud of the performance,” he said. 

Citing Liverpool’s famous 3-0 comeback against AC Milan in 2005, he added: “Let’s fill up Benjamin Mkapa to make history and turn this result around because everything is possible. We have 90 minutes left and only 2-0.”

Davids exuded confidence in his team’s ability to overturn the deficit. 

“I’m 100% confident. I still believe in these players. I know they will learn. I know they will improve,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for quick recovery and meticulous preparation.

On a VAR controversy that stirred debate during the match, he refused to dwell, stating: “The VAR made the decision. We accept it. But we’ve got to score in the next game.”