SIMBA SC assistant coach Suleiman Matola has predicted a tough challenge when his side faces Dodoma Jiji today at KMC Stadium in a crucial Mainland Premier League encounter.

Matola emphasized that matches against teams coached by Mecky Mexime are always difficult due to his tactical discipline and structured approach.

Fresh from a commanding 3-0 victory over TMA Stars in the Round of 32 of the domestic cup competition, which secured their place in the Round of 16 against Bigman FC, Simba now shift their focus back to the league as they aim to close the gap on leaders Young Africans (Yanga).

Currently, Simba sit second on the table with 54 points from 21 matches, trailing Young Africans, who have 58 points from 22 games. A victory today would reduce the deficit to just one point, keeping Simba firmly in the title race.

In their previous meeting at Jamhuri Stadium, Simba edged Dodoma Jiji 1-0 courtesy of a Jean Charles Ahoua penalty. However, Dodoma Jiji have shown resilience in recent matches, registering two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five league outings.

Speaking ahead of the match, Matola acknowledged the challenge posed by Dodoma Jiji but expressed confidence in his team’s preparations.

“Coach Mexime has done an excellent job with Dodoma Jiji. His teams always play with a strong mentality against us. We expect a very tough game, but our focus is on securing all three points to keep pace with the league leaders,” Matola said.

The coach also provided an update on squad fitness, confirming that all players are fit except for defender Che Malone Fondoh, who is undergoing rehabilitation for an injury. Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Moussa Camara has resumed light training, and his availability for the match will be assessed.

As a precaution, second-choice goalkeeper Ally Salim is expected to start in goal. Chamou Karaboue is also set to retain his place in the lineup, filling in for the injured Che Malone.

Simba boast the league’s best defensive record, conceding just eight goals this season - one fewer than Young Africans, who have let in nine. 

However, Young Africans have the upper hand in attack, having scored 58 goals compared to Simba’s 46.

Beyond the domestic league, Simba are also preparing for a crucial CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against Egyptian side Al Masry on April 2 in Egypt, followed by the return leg at home.

Today’s match against Dodoma Jiji will be Simba’s last domestic fixture before shifting full focus to their continental campaign.

This trip to Egypt will mark Simba’s fourth recent visit to North Africa in continental competition. Their previous results include: 0-0 draw vs. Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya), 2-1 loss vs. CS Constantine (Algeria) and 1-0 win vs. CS Sfaxien (Tunisia).

With these experiences in mind, Simba will be hoping for a strong first-leg result against Al Masry as they aim for a semi-final berth in the CAF Confederation Cup.