After Simba lost their opening CAF Champions League group-stage match against Petro Atletico at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium yesterday, reactions among the club’s supporters have been mixed — with many expressing disappointment not only in the result but also in the lineup selected by the team’s General Manager, Dimitar Pantev.
In that match, Pantev opted not to start a natural striker, leaving out all forwards — Jonathan Sowah, Suleiman Mwalimu, and Steven Mukwala — and instead deploying a false-nine system, where Elie Mpanzu, Joshua Mutale, and Morice Abraham frequently rotated in the attacking role.
In the first half, Simba created about four chances, with Morice getting the clearest opportunity, but he failed to convert.
Early in the second half, Pantev brought in Sowah and Jean Ahoua, but Petro appeared to adjust their approach as well. Even then, Elie Mpanzu missed another golden chance.
Pantev has since faced criticism from fans, many arguing that he should not experiment with tactics in big and crucial matches.
Some Simba supporters believe that with the chances created, starting a natural striker might have led to at least one goal.
Additionally, at the start of the match, the team lacked a structured build-up plan from the back, relying instead on long balls behind Petro’s defenders, who played a high line throughout the first half.
Given how Petro played, fans believe that if Simba had executed a clearer attacking plan — especially through the wings — they might have scored early.
After the Petro defeat, it is clear that Pantev has learned he must avoid further tactical experiments. Simba fans expect their team to dominate and score goals at home.
The boos he received while leaving the pitch were enough to show him the standards and expectations at this club — mistakes are not tolerated.
It should also be remembered that under his leadership, Simba has yet to win an international match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Before facing Petro, Simba drew with Gaborone United and Nsingizini Hotspurs.
His challenge now is to ensure Simba secures victory in the next match against Stade Malien away from home, as anything less could increase pressure significantly.
