Simba arrived in Bamako, Mali yesterday ahead of their CAF Champions League group-stage match against Stade Malien, scheduled for Sunday, November 30.
The Reds have landed in Mali with only one mission—to secure three crucial points that will restore confidence and keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals from Group D.
Simba travelled without their attacking midfielder Kibu Denis, who recently suffered the loss of his father.
Despite missing Kibu, Simba’s General Manager Dimitar Pantev travelled with all his key stars ready to fight for maximum points.
This match can be described as a final for Simba, as they must recover the three points they lost at home.
Pantev will rely heavily on his top players—Joshua Mutale, Morice Abraham, Jean Charles Ahoua, Jonathan Sowah, Kanté, Naby Camara, and others—to give their all in pursuit of victory.
Pantev will accept nothing less than a win, as anything short of three points could not only discourage fans but also put his job at risk.
Since 2018, Simba have never been eliminated at the group stage once they qualify, and expectations remain high for the Reds to maintain that tradition—starting with a win against Stade Malien.