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CAF
20-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Simba edge Stellenbosch in narrow TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first leg
Published: Sunday, 20 April 2025 Tanzanian giants Simba SC took a slim advantage in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, defeating South Africa's Stellenbosch FC 1-0 in a tightly-contested encounter in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. Jean Ahoua's expertly taken free-kick just before half-time proved decisive at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday, with the Ivorian defender firing low into the corner after a VAR review overturned a prior foul. It capped off a first-half performance in which Simba looked sharper and more composed in possession. The result gives Simba a slender edge going into the return leg in South Africa, but Stellenbosch—playing in their maiden CAF competition—will take heart from their resilient showing and the narrow margin. Stellenbosch entered the clash riding a wave of confidence after their stunning quarter-final elimination of defending champions Zamalek. But they found Simba a different kind of challenge—more physical, more aggressive, and roared on by a boisterous home crowd. Simba created the better chances throughout, with Elie Mpanzu and Steven Mukwala proving constant threats. Mpanzu forced multiple saves from Stellenbosch goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke, while Mukwala's movement opened space for overlapping fullbacks and runners from midfield. The visitors' best opportunity came in the 27th minute, when Devin Titus' powerful header drew a sharp stop from Simba keeper Ally Salim. Stellenbosch nearly levelled late on, but Fawaaz Basadien's speculative strike flew wide in added time. The game grew tense in the second half, with bookings for both sides and limited rhythm due to injuries and substitutions. Stellenbosch manager Steve Barker introduced fresh legs, including Langelihle Phili and Genino Palace, but they failed to break down Simba's compact shape. Simba, led by South African coach Fadlu Davids, will be satisfied with the clean sheet and home win but know the job is only half done. They must now prepare for a potentially hostile second leg in the Western Cape, where Stellenbosch have already proven they can unsettle giants. With a place in the final at stake, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion in South Africa.
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Masry knocked out of CAF Confederation Cup after penalty shootout - Egyptian Football
Egyptian side Masry were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Tanzania's Simba in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals of the competition, following a 2-2 aggregate draw. Two first-half goals by winger Elie Mpanzu and Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala canceled out Masry's first -leg lead, sending the game into penalties. On paper, Masry held an advantage after a 2-0 home win in the first leg, but the hosts disrupted their seemingly straightforward path to the semifinals. Simba pressed forward from the beginning of the match, seeking an early goal, which wasn't too hard for the hosts. Twenty-two minutes into the first half, Mpanzu opened the scoring for the Tanzanian side, while Mukwala doubled the score ten minutes later, canceling out the deficit and sending the game into a penalty shootout. Jean Ahoua, Steven Mukwala, Kibu Denis, and Shomari Kapombe scored for Simba from the spot, while Mido Gaber and Mahmoud Hamada failed to convert their penalties. Fakhreddine Ben Youssef was the only successful scorer for Masry. In the competition's semi-finals, Simba will face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Zamalek and Stellenbosch. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
