Stade Malien head coach Mauril Njoya has admitted he is surprised by Simba’s performance in this season’s CAF Champions League, saying he did not expect the Tanzanian giants to struggle the way they have.
Simba have failed to display their usual high-level performances in continental competitions, a situation that has allowed Stade Malien to climb to the top of Group D and secure a place in the quarter-finals. Traditional powerhouses such as Esperance Sportive de Tunis and Petro de Luanda have also been left trailing in the group standings.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam ahead of his team’s final Group D clash against Simba at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium tomorrow, Njoya said he had anticipated a different scenario based on Simba’s strong reputation in African football.
“Simba are one of the best teams in Africa. I don’t know how we have ended up above them. Honestly, I expected Simba to finish first and for us to be second,” said Njoya.
Simba have already finished bottom of Group D. Even if they win their final match, they will only reach four points — a tally that will not be enough to surpass the other teams in the group.
Meanwhile, Simba head coach Steve Barker has reiterated that his side will use the match against Stade Malien as an opportunity to improve and aim to close the group stage campaign with a victory.
