SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids praised his team’s resilience after a crucial 1-0 victory over Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup, marking their first away win of the season in the competition.

The victory, sealed by attacking midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua, keeps Simba firmly on track for a quarter-final spot.

“Simba is a big team in Africa, so every match we play to win. If we don’t win, then we don’t lose,” Davids said confidently. 

“I want to tell our fans that after this win, it’s not over. We still have two group matches to play, and we need to win to secure our qualification. We must stay united, and I believe we will perform well and advance to the next stage.”

The match, played at the Olympique Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Tunis, was decided in the 34th minute when Ahoua demonstrated composure and skill inside the penalty box. 

Receiving a precise pass from Leonel Ateba, the Ivorian midfielder unleashed a powerful shot past CS Sfaxien goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen. 

This goal, his second in the competition, adds to his growing reputation as Simba’s standout player, having also scored in the group opener against Bravos do Maquis of Angola.

The win lifts Simba to nine points from four matches in Group A, significantly enhancing their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

The victory also carries historical significance, as Simba join a select group of Tanzanian teams to claim wins on North African soil. 

It echoes the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup campaign of their arch-rivals Young Africans, who defeated Tunisia’s Club Africain in the play-off stage before narrowly losing the final to Algeria’s USM Alger on away goals.

Davids introduced Ellie Mpanzu to Simba’s starting lineup, marking her debut in CAF matches since being signed in the limited transfer window. Mpanzu played 77 minutes before being substituted for Debora Mavambo, showcasing promise in his first appearance.

Despite the win, Simba missed several opportunities to secure a more comfortable margin against a struggling CS Sfaxien side, who remain winless and eliminated from the competition. 

Playing behind closed doors due to a CAF-imposed ban on fans following crowd trouble in their previous match, Sfaxien failed to capitalize on their home advantage.

Simba, on the other hand, dominated proceedings, creating more chances in both halves. The Tanzanian giants showcased superior tactical discipline and were only let down by their inability to convert additional scoring opportunities.

With two matches remaining in Group A, Simba need just one more win to guarantee a quarter-final spot. Their next challenge comes against Bravos do Maquis next weekend in Angola. 

A victory there would render their final group game against CS Constantine at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on January 19 a mere formality.

Davids urged fans to maintain their support, emphasizing the importance of collective effort as the team pushes for success. 

“This journey requires unity. With the quality we have, I am confident we will achieve our goal of qualifying for the next stage,” he said.

The win against CS Sfaxien not only boosts Simba’s morale but also reinforces their reputation as a formidable force in African football. 

The team’s tactical adaptability and individual brilliance, particularly from players like Ahoua, underline their potential to make a deep run in the competition.