In a night of high drama at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Simba Sports Club orchestrated a remarkable comeback to secure their place in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals. Overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Egypt’s Al Masry, Simba triumphed 2-0 in regular time and clinched the tie with a 4-1 victory in the penalty shootout. VAVEL.com – Live Sports+9Daily News+9Africa Top Sports+9
First-Leg Setback in Egypt
The journey began on a challenging note for Simba SC. In the first leg held at the New Suez Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, Simba succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. Goals from Abderrahim Deghmoum and John Okoye put Al Masry in a commanding position, leaving the Tanzanian side with a mountain to climb in the return fixture. CECAFA Football+1VAVEL.com – Live Sports+1FARPost+1CECAFA Football+1
Heroic Turnaround at Home
Determined to overturn the deficit, Simba SC returned to their home ground with renewed vigor. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was a cauldron of support as fans rallied behind their team. The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Elie Mpanzu unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, igniting hopes of a comeback. Ten minutes later, former Asante Kotoko star Steven Mukwala doubled the lead with a precise header, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2. CECAFA Football+11GhanaSoccernet+11The Citizen+11Dailymotion+5CECAFA Football+5The Citizen+5The Citizen+1CECAFA Football+1
Penalty Shootout Drama
With the aggregate score tied, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Simba SC displayed composure and precision from the spot, converting all four of their penalties. Goalkeeper Moussa Camara emerged as the hero, making crucial saves that led to a 4-1 victory in the shootout. This triumph not only secured their semifinal berth but also ended a 32-year wait for progression beyond the quarterfinals in continental competitions. CECAFA Football+2The Citizen+2Daily News+2Daily News
Revenge and Financial Rewards
This victory held special significance for Simba SC, as it avenged their elimination by Al Masry in the 2017/2018 CAF Confederation Cup. Beyond the sporting achievement, the club also earned a substantial financial reward, pocketing US$750,000 (approximately TSh1.9 billion) in prize money. The Citizen+1The Citizen+1
Semifinal Prospects
Looking ahead, Simba SC is set to face the winner between Zamalek of Egypt and Stellenbosch of South Africa in the semifinals. The first leg is scheduled for April 20, with the return leg on April 27. Simba will host the first leg, aiming to capitalize on their home advantage. CECAFA Football+2The Citizen+2The Citizen+2The Citizen
Conclusion
Simba SC’s remarkable turnaround against Al Masry underscores their resilience and determination on the continental stage. As they prepare for the semifinals, the Tanzanian giants carry the hopes of their supporters, aiming to etch their name further into African football history.
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