SIMBA boss Davids Fadlu praised his side’s resilience following their 0-0 draw away to Al Ahli Tripoli in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg encounter on Sunday.

The ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’ played in front of a full-house hostile crowd and spent most of the game out of possession, but they defended incredibly well to earn a first leg stalemate.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the South African gaffer expressed his satisfaction with the fighting spirit and tactical performance of his players.

“I think it was a very good performance, especially the defensive performance from our players. We really showed we can fight and work together as a unit. 

“In our previous matches we showed how good we can with the ball, I think today was a performance where we can comment without the ball.

“We created a few big chances in the first half and in away matches these opportunities are few, you have to capitalize on them. 

“It was a really good tactical performance from the players in terms of closing the space where we knew they were strong and using spaces in transitions.            

“It will be a very different game once we come to Dar es Salaam,” he said.

Fadlu admitted that they faced an intimidating atmosphere in a packed Tripoli International Stadium that was rocking, but highlighted that he hopes Simba fans can reciprocate with a huge turnout in the second leg to help them grind out the needed result to knock out the Libyans.

“It was a really intimidating atmosphere. A huge credit to Al Ahli Tripoli for filling up the stadium and making it very difficult for us but I know Simba fans can go one better. 

“I know Simba fans are gonna come and make it even more hostile,” he said.

Simba will welcome Al Ahli tripoli in the return leg in Dar on Sunday, September 22, with the aggregate winner qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage.