AS Al-Masry of Egypt and Simba SC prepare to face off in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals, anticipation is building for what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Simba SC players training in Egypt on Monday ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against Al Masry, set for today at New Suez Stadium in Ismailia. Both teams have shown impressive form in the competition, and a closer statistical analysis provides insight into what fans can expect when they clash this evening at New Suez Stadium.

Simba enter the match in excellent shape, having gone unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions. 

The Tanzanian envoys have recorded seven wins and three draws, showcasing an attacking prowess with 26 goals scored while maintaining a solid defense with only five conceded. 

This strong run of form makes them a formidable contender for a semifinal spot for the first time in their history. 

In contrast, Al-Masry’s recent performance has been less consistent. In their last 10 matches, the Egyptian side has recorded three wins, five draws, and two losses, scoring just 10 goals while conceding nine. 

Their defensive vulnerabilities may give Simba an opportunity to capitalize.

In the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup, Simba, under the tutelage of Fadlu Davids, dominated Group A, finishing first with four wins, one draw, and one loss, registering a goal difference of +4 (eight goals scored and four conceded). 

Al-Masry’s journey to the quarterfinals was more challenging, as they finished second in Group D with nine points, advancing with a mixed record of wins, draws, and losses. 

Historically, the two teams have met twice in this competition, with both matches ending in draws, and each side scoring two goals, indicating a well-matched contest.

Al-Masry boast a strong record at home, remaining unbeaten in their last seven CAF Confederation Cup home matches, conceding an average of just 0.75 goals per game. 

Simba, however, have also proven resilient on the road, avoiding defeat in seven of their last eight away matches in the competition while conceding an average of 0.63 goals per game. 

This suggests that the Tanzanian club will be confident despite playing away from home.

Key players to watch include Al-Masry’s forward Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, who has scored three goals in five matches, along with midfielder Mohamed Hamada, who has contributed two goals in six games. Defender Mahmoud Hashem has also added a goal from the backline. 

Simba’s attacking threats include forward Dennis Kibu, who has netted three goals in six matches, as well as midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua, who has been instrumental with two goals and two assists. Forward Leonel Ateba has also added two goals to their tally.

Statistical trends show that Al-Masry have been unbeaten in six of their last seven CAF Confederation Cup matches while conceding an average of 0.75 goals in home games.

Simba, on the other hand, have remained unbeaten in seven of their last eight games in the competition, conceding only 0.63 goals per match. Their last three matches have also seen under 2.5 goals scored, highlighting their defensive discipline.

If Al-Masry can exploit set-pieces and capitalize on home support, they could frustrate Simba. However, if the Tanzanian side maintains their composure and clinical edge, they may edge past the Egyptian outfit. 

This quarter-final promises to be a tactical battle between Al-Masry’s defensive grit and Simba’s attacking flair. While the Egyptians’ home record gives them a psychological edge, Simba’s superior form and goal-scoring ability make them slight favourites over two legs.

Ultimately, the match could hinge on which team executes their game plan better. Whether Al-Masry’s resilience can contain Simba’s firepower or if the Tanzanian giants will overpower their hosts remains to be seen.