SIMBA SC's Mohamed Hussein and Jean Charles Ahoua have earned prestigious recognition, securing spots in the CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Group Stage Best XI.

This elite selection, highlighting the tournament's top performers, features players from six of the eight quarterfinalists. 

Zamalek lead with three representatives, while Simba SC, RS Berkane, and USM Alger boast two each. Al Masry and CS Constantine each contribute one player to the coveted list.

Simba captain Hussein has been a rock in defense, playing a remarkable 600 minutes across seven games, including scoring a crucial goal against CS Constantine in Algeria. 

The veteran defender, a cornerstone of Simba's backline for over a decade, has been instrumental in both defense and attack. 

This season, Simba conceded only four goals in six group-stage matches, showcasing their defensive solidity. Hussein's impressive CAF Confederation Cup record now includes 17 appearances over two campaigns.

Ivorian attacking midfielder Ahoua has been a revelation for Simba in the competition. 

He featured in 88% of Simba’s matches, playing 582 minutes and contributing to 36% of their goals with two goals and two assists. His dynamic playmaking and goal-scoring abilities have made him a standout performer.

Ahoua proved to be a key player for Simba, securing crucial 1-0 victories against Bravos Do Maquis at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and later against CS Sfaxien away. These narrow wins highlighted his ability to deliver in tight matches.

Now, both Ahoua and Hussein are focused on propelling Simba further into the competition. With the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals approaching, the first legs scheduled for April 1st and 8th, 2025, the team is gearing up for a high-stakes challenge.

The rewards are significant, with the CAF Confederation Cup champions set to receive a substantial prize of USD 2,000,000. Simba SC's ambitions are clear: they aim to make history and solidify their position as one of Africa's top clubs, ready to face the continent's best with unwavering determination.

Notably, every player in the Best XI represents a club that has qualified for the quarterfinals.

CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage Best XI (4-3-3 Formation)

Goalkeeper: Munir Mohamedi (Morocco) – RS Berkane (Morocco)

Defenders: Saadi Radouani (Algeria) – USM Alger (Algeria); Issoufou Dayo (Burkina Faso) – RS Berkane (Morocco); Hossam Abdelmaguid (Egypt) – Zamalek (Egypt); Mohamed Hussein (Tanzania) – Simba SC (Tanzania)

Midfielders: Jean Charles Ahoua (Ivory Coast) – Simba SC (Tanzania); Brahim Dib (Algeria) – CS Constantine (Algeria); Ahmed Zizo (Egypt) – Zamalek (Egypt)

Forwards: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Tunisia) – Al Masry (Egypt); Ismaïl Belkacemi (Algeria) – USM Alger (Algeria); Seifeddine Jaziri (Tunisia) – Zamalek (Egypt)