SIMBA Sports Club’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign hit a stumbling block in Algeria as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against CS Constantine in a Group A encounter.

Despite an early lead, defensive lapses in the second half proved costly for the Msimbazi Street-based side.

Simba took the lead in the 20th minute when Mohammed Hussein commonly known as “Zimbwe Jr”, scored a spectacular goal. 

His intended cross deceived the CS Constantine defense and sailed directly into the net, giving Simba a promising start.

The first half saw a spirited performance from Simba, with their defensive setup and swift counterattacks keeping the Algerian hosts at bay.

However, their inability to capitalize further on their dominance would later haunt them.

The start of the second half was disastrous for Simba. CS Constantine struck twice in quick succession, turning the game on its head. 

Abdulrazack Hamza’s own goal leveled the score in the 47th minute, taking advantage of a lapse in Simba’s defensive organization. Just three minutes later, Brahim Dib netted the second goal for the hosts after a deflection off Simba defender Che Malone Fondoh.

These back-to-back blows unsettled Simba, who struggled to regain their composure. Despite numerous attempts to equalize, Simba’s lack of precision in the final third meant the scoreline remained unchanged for the rest of the match.

Simba head coach Fadlu Davids offered a candid assessment of the match. Speaking after the game, he commended CS Constantine’s performance while expressing frustration at his team’s missed opportunities.

“First of all, I’d like to congratulate CS Constantine for securing the three points today,” Davids said. “The match was quite balanced on both sides, and perhaps a draw would have been a fair result.”

Davids lamented Simba’s failure to maintain their first-half lead. 

“When you’re leading 1-0 away from home, you expect to consolidate either by controlling possession or forcing the opposition to play in areas where you have the advantage. Unfortunately, small details cost us the game,” he explained.

Highlighting the crucial moments, Davids added: “We didn’t press effectively in the first minute of the second half, leading to a sequence where we failed to defend a corner properly. Both goals we conceded were avoidable, especially the second, which was a deflection. These are the details we need to address moving forward.”

Despite the disappointment, Davids stressed the importance of learning from the defeat and focusing on the upcoming matches.

The result leaves Simba in a precarious position in Group A. 

CS Constantine now lead the group with six points, followed by Simba and Angolan side Bravos do Maquis, both tied on three points. Tunisian outfit CS Sfaxien sit at the bottom with no points after two games.

In another Group A match, Bravos defeated CS Sfaxien, adding to the competitive dynamics of the group. 

Simba will face CS Sfaxien next in a must-win clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on December 15.

Simba’s Information and Communication Manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed that the team is set to return to Dar es Salaam early today morning to begin preparations for their crucial home fixture.

“Our team has started the journey back home, and by Allah’s will, we will arrive on Tuesday at dawn,” Ally said. “Once we land, we will announce the full schedule, including training sessions and other activities.”

Ally emphasized the significance of the December 15 match against CS Sfaxien, urging all Simba fans to rally behind the team.

“This is a match that no true Simba fan should miss. I call upon branch leaders and group administrators to mobilize fans to fill the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Let’s show our unwavering support and help the team secure an important victory,” he added.