SIMBA SC head coach Fadlu Davids commended his team’s growing maturity following their decisive 2-0 win over CS Constantine, which secured their position as CAF Confederation Cup Group A winners.

Goals from Kibu Denis and Leonel Ateba maintained Simba’s perfect home record in this season's tournament, propelling them into the knockout stages for the sixth time in seven years.

“First of all, I'd like to congratulate Constantine. We played them in the first match away in front of their home crowd. They are a good club with a well-structured team and strong coaching,” Davids said.

He expressed pride in his squad’s development: “I’m really happy with how my players have matured in this tournament. From the first match away to Al Ahli Tripoli to now, we’ve made significant strides as a group, both with and without the ball.”

Davids highlighted his team’s control throughout the game: “It was a very mature performance. We controlled all phases of the game - defensively when we didn’t have the ball and offensively when we regained possession. The possession stats reflect our dominance when we had the ball.”

“Well done to my players and the technical staff. They’ve done a fantastic job behind the scenes. From my coaches to the medical team, everyone played a part in this accomplished performance. I’m incredibly proud of my players today,” he added.

Reflecting on the match, Davids said: “The first-half performance was fantastic. We executed our plan to push Constantine onto the back foot, play in their half, and create chances. Of course, there are always moments when you don’t score.

“At halftime, we corrected a few key details. We started the second half with even greater intensity, pushing our center-backs higher and maintaining relentless pressure. Wave after wave, we kept them pinned despite not having our fans in the stadium.”

Davids emphasized his satisfaction with the team’s display: “That’s exactly how we want to play football - to dominate, to keep the opposition in their half, and prevent counter-attacks. 

“With our fans behind us, I believe we would have been even more dominant. It could easily have been 5-6 goals. It was a complete performance, and I’m incredibly proud.”

Meanwhile, CS Constantine head coach Kheireddine Madoui commended Simba for their performance, acknowledging the hosts’ dominance in the second half.

“In the first half, we managed to contain them, but the second half belonged to Simba. After they scored the first goal, my players lost concentration, allowing them to score the second,” Madoui said. 

The Algerian tactician, who was once linked with a move to Young Africans, added: “Simba deserved the victory today.”

Simba SC and CS Constantine had already secured their spots in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals before the match, making this encounter a battle for Group A supremacy. 

Simba’s victory confirmed their position as group leaders, while Constantine finished second.

The two sides now join other group winners and runners-up, including defending champions Zamalek (Egypt), RS Berkane (Morocco), Al Masry (Egypt), ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) and USM Alger (Algeria), as well as Stellenbosch (South Africa).

With Simba topping Group A, the Tanzanian giants now turn their focus to the knockout stages, where they aim to build on their impressive form and pursue a deep run in the competition.