Stellenbosch aim for historic comeback against Simba
South African side Stellenbosch FC face a major test of their resilience when they host Tanzania's Simba SC in the second leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-final on Sunday in Durban.
Trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Zanzibar, Stellenbosch must overcome both the deficit and the unfamiliarity of playing away from their home fans, with the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban serving as a temporary base.
Simba secured their narrow first-leg advantage courtesy of a Jean Charles Ahoua goal just before halftime, a strike that stood after a lengthy VAR check.
That result leaves Steve Barker's youthful Stellies with it all to do, needing at least two unanswered goals to guarantee progression without the lottery of penalties.
Team news for the hosts brings mixed fortunes. Goalkeeper Sage Stephens is expected to return, offering a boost after Oscarine Masuluke deputised in the first leg.
However, injuries to attackers Lehlohonolo Mojela and Ashley Cupido leave Stellenbosch short on firepower.
Simba, coached by South African tactician Fadlu Davids, come into the clash with confidence. Davids has vowed his side will not sit back, aiming for an early goal to kill off the tie.
An away goal would leave Stellenbosch needing to score three times to advance — a daunting task against a Simba side that has won their last three Confederation Cup matches 1-0, all courtesy of Ahoua.
Stellenbosch will hope that their disciplined defensive structure and quick transitions can unsettle Simba. But they must find a way to score — a problem highlighted by their recent low-scoring matches.
Simba, chasing a first continental final appearance since 1993, will rely on the experience and composure that has seen them emerge as one of the top sides in East Africa.
The winner of this tie will face either RSB Berkane of Morocco or CS Constantine of Algeria in the final, with Berkane holding a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg.
Kick-off at Moses Mabhida Stadium is scheduled for 15:00 CAT (13:00 GMT).
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