On Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, all eyes and ears of football fans in Tanzania and across Africa will be focused on Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, where Simba SC will host Egypt's Al Masry in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal.
Simba Needs a Miracle – But They Have Their Weapons
Simba SC faces a tough challenge as they aim to overturn a 2-0 defeat from the first leg played in Port Said. To qualify for the semifinals, the “Wekundu wa Msimbazi” (The Red Lions) must win by at least 3-0 – a daunting task, but not impossible for a team playing in front of their passionate home crowd, who have witnessed countless comebacks at the Mkapa Stadium.
Head coach Fadlu Davids has a major responsibility to ensure his squad remains composed against a disciplined and counter-attacking side like Al Masry.
Kibu Denis – The Star Forward Expected to Spark the Comeback
Simba’s top striker, Kibu Denis, heads into this clash with four goals in the competition – three from the group stage and one in the knockout round against Al Ahly Tripoli. He is seen as the main man to lead Simba’s charge and bring hope to their fans, who are counting on the players to give everything for a win.
Kibu will need strong support from fellow attackers like Kibu Denis, Elie Mpanzu, Jean Ahoua and the solid defensive midfielder Fabrice Ngoma, who has played a key role in balancing the team's pace and structure.
The Power of the Fans – Simba’s “12th Player”
Simba has the massive advantage of playing at home in front of thousands of their passionate fans. History has shown that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is a fortress, especially during continental matches. Simba fans are known for filling the stadium early, chanting tirelessly, and putting immense pressure on visiting teams – a factor that could tilt the game in Simba’s favor.
Key Facts Ahead of the Match
-
Simba is unbeaten at home in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
-
Al Masry has a strong defensive record – they’ve conceded no more than one goal in all their away matches.
-
This is Simba’s second consecutive appearance in the CAF CC quarterfinals, after being knocked out by USM Alger last season.
-
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM East African Time.
-
Match officials are from Benin and VAR will be in use.
Player Quotes
"We owe our fans. We know the task is difficult, but not more difficult than our belief. We’ll fight to the end." – Kibu Denis
"We’re not thinking of losing. We’ve come to Dar es Salaam to play good football and qualify." – Al Masry Coach
Final Thoughts
This is no ordinary game – it’s a do-or-die encounter for Simba. It’s a match of heart, discipline, speed, and belief. Simba must be at their best for the full 90 minutes, trust in the magic of the Mkapa Stadium, and take every chance that comes their way.
Will history be rewritten? Tanzanian football fans are waiting eagerly.
