Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids has strongly criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for denying the Tanzanian giants the chance to play the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final at their preferred home ground, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, instead relocating it to the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

Davids (pictured) said the decision undermines the team's morale and their home advantage.

"Playing at a 60,000-capacity stadium like Mkapa is completely different from playing at Amaan which holds just 12,000 fans. This affects the players' spirit, but we remain focused and determined to fight," said Davids.

He added that the final is not over and Simba will do everything possible to overturn the first-leg result and claim the title.

Echoing his coach's confidence, Simba striker Steven Mukwala expressed the team’s readiness for battle and strong belief in turning the tide when they host Berkane in the decisive second leg on Sunday, May 25, at the New Amaan Complex.

“We know we’re two goals behind, and it’s a huge task, but not impossible. We’ve been correcting our mistakes and preparations are going well. We’re ready to play in Zanzibar,” said Mukwala.

The Ugandan forward emphasized that the squad's morale is high and every player understands the significance of the match, adding that the technical bench has worked diligently to fix errors from the first leg in order to ensure a stronger performance.

Despite the loss in Morocco, the Msimbazi Street-based side still have every reason to believe they can lift the CAF Confederation Cup trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

Their home form in the tournament this season offers real hope. Simba have won all six of their matches at home from the second round through to the semifinals, scoring 11 goals and conceding just once.

Second Round: Simba 3-1 Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) 

Group Stage: Simba 1-0 Bravos (Angola); Simba 2-1 Sfaxien (Tunisia); Simba 2-0 CS Constantine (Algeria) 

Quarterfinal: Simba 2-0 Al Masry (Egypt) 

Semifinal: Simba 1-0 Stellenbosch (South Africa)

This impressive run strengthens Simba’s case that a three-goal win is within reach, especially when considering Berkane's less-than-perfect away record in the tournament.

RS Berkane’s away record in CAF Confederation Cup: Lost to CS Constantine (Algeria); drawn one match away; won four of six away matches.

While Berkane are tough opponents, Simba are no strangers to comebacks in continental competitions.

Historic comebacks by Simba SC - 1979: Lost 4-0 at home to Mufulira Wanderers (Zambia), won 5-0 away to progress on aggregate - 2024: Lost 2-0 to Al Masry away, won 2-0 at home and progressed via 4-1 penalty shootout - 2018/19: Lost 2-1 to Nkana FC away, won 3-1 at home to qualify for group stage

Now, all eyes are on Zanzibar where the stage is set for another potential chapter in Simba’s rich history.

A 3-0 victory will see them crowned champions, while a 2-0 win will force a penalty shootout. With their solid home form, fierce determination, and a fired-up squad led by coach Davids and striker Mukwala, Simba fans have every reason to believe that it is possible.