SIMBA Sports Club head coach Fadlu Davids has urged his players to stay mentally sharp despite securing a 3-1 win over Mbeya City FC in the Federation Cup quarterfinal match played at KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

The Msimbazi Reds came from behind to claim the victory, with first-half goals from Fabrice Ngoma, Leonel Ateba, and Joshua Mutale securing their place in the semifinals. 

But Davids’ post-match comments reflected both satisfaction with the result and concern about his players’ focus ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup semifinal against Stellenbosch FC.

“It was a very difficult game,” Davids (pictured) admitted. “Congratulations to Mbeya City. They showed what we analyzed - they’re dangerous, especially when our press is a second too late. That gave them opportunities to find the free man and break through.”

Simba fell behind in the 22nd minute when Mbeya City striker Mudathir Said struck a powerful left-footed shot past goalkeeper Ally Salim. But just two minutes later, Ngoma headed home a Ladack Chasambi cross to equalize. 

The midfielder then turned provider in the 29th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross that Ateba nodded in to put Simba ahead. 

Mutale completed the comeback in the 43rd minute with a brilliant solo run and finish, giving Simba a 3-1 lead at halftime.

Though Simba dominated possession and created several chances in the second half, they were unable to add to their tally. 

Davids pointed to missed chances and a dip in sharpness from some players, particularly goalscorer Ateba.

“Even though he scored, he lacked composure in other key moments. In big matches, we won’t get many chances, so we have to be clinical,” Davids emphasized.

He expressed concern that the looming Confederation Cup semifinal may have impacted the players’ focus.
 “Maybe at the back of the players’ minds, they were thinking about the CAF semi-final. That was the mentality I was afraid of today,” he said.

With Stellenbosch visiting for the first leg in Dar es Salaam on April 20, Davids used the Mbeya City match to test tactical options. 

He shifted to a three-man defense in the second half, with players like Augustine Okejepha, Shomari Kapombe, and Yusuph Kagoma adapting to central roles.

“We’re creating flexibility. If we need to play three at the back this weekend, we can,” Davids said, suggesting the same structure might be used against the South African side.

Davids made eight changes to the lineup, resting key players such as Moussa Camara, Mohamed Hussein, and Yusuph Kagoma. 

Fringe players like Chasambi, Awesu, Mutale, and Ateba stepped up and impressed, underlining Simba’s squad depth.

“Good character and good personality to come back immediately and go ahead 3-1 before halftime,” Davids noted. “We took control in the second half - less high pressing, more ball possession- balancing risk versus reward.”

As Simba look to advance in both the Federation Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup, Davids is urging his team to maintain focus, discipline, and intensity.

“There are 14 games left in the season. There’s still a lot to play for,” he concluded.

Simba will now face either Singida Black Stars or Kagera Sugar in the Federation Cup semifinals. In the Confederation Cup, they face Stellenbosch on April 20 (first leg, home) and April 27 (second leg, away), with a potential final awaiting in May.