Simba SC displayed true determination and resilience by overturning a 2-0 first-leg defeat against Al Masry to book their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win (4-2). The second leg match was played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, where Simba secured a 2-0 win in regular time, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2 before sealing the victory on penalties.
Knowing they had to win by at least two goals, Simba started the match with high intensity, pushing Al Masry onto the back foot from the onset. Their relentless attacks paid off in the 23rd minute when Elie Mpanzu opened the scoring with a powerful shot from outside the box that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Ten minutes later, Steven Mukwala doubled the lead with a brilliant header, finishing off a pinpoint cross from Mohammed Hussein on the left flank.
Coach Fadlu Davids made a tactical masterstroke by listening to the fans’ suggestions and starting Mukwala ahead of Lionel Ateba — a decision that paid off handsomely. Simba dominated most of the game, especially in the first half, with their intention to overturn the first-leg result clear in their every move.
The second half saw a slight shift in momentum, partly affected by light rainfall which slowed down the game. Al Masry managed to waste time and held off Simba’s attempts for a third goal, keeping the aggregate at 2-2 by the end of regular time.
The match then went into a penalty shootout, where Simba’s goalkeeper Moussa Camara, nicknamed “Spiderman,” emerged as the hero by saving two of Al Masry’s three penalties. On the other end, Shomari Kapombe calmly converted Simba’s fourth penalty to seal their place in the semi-finals.
It was a night of pride for Simba fans, a match where everything seemed to align perfectly for Fadlu Davids’ side. With this victory, Simba SC continues to make their mark on the continental stage, and all eyes are now on their upcoming semi-final challenge.
