SIMBA Sports Club will wrap up their CAF Champions League group stage campaign tonight when they host Stade Malien at 7:00pm at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, in a decisive final Group D fixture that will be played simultaneously with the other group match in line with CAF regulations.

Simba will face Malian giants Stade Malien in their last group match of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League campaign. Although the Tanzanian side has already been eliminated from the quarter final race, pride, points and redemption remain firmly on the line.

According to Simba’s information officer, Ahmed Ally (pictured), the kick off time was adjusted to 7:00pm following Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules requiring the final round of group matches to be played at the same time to ensure fairness and integrity in the competition.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ally revealed that preparations for the clash began immediately after Simba completed their recent Mainland Premier League fixture against KMC. He stressed that despite elimination from the knockout stages, the technical bench and players have treated the match with utmost seriousness.

“This is a very important match for us. Even if we are out of contention for qualification, we must defend the dignity of the club,” Ahmed Ally said.

Simba’s campaign in the group stage has been inconsistent, leaving them unable to mathematically challenge for a quarter-final spot heading into the final round. However, the club views tonight’s match as an opportunity to restore pride, especially after suffering defeat away to the same opponents earlier in the competition.

Ally was clear that Simba’s philosophy does not allow them to lose twice to the same opponent in one season.

“Simba are not ready to lose two matches against the same opponent. That is not our culture. If we lose away, we must respond at home,” he emphasized.

The Msimbazi Street giants have endured an unusually difficult run at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium this season, a venue traditionally considered a fortress. Questions have emerged among supporters regarding the team’s home form, but the club leadership believes tonight presents the perfect chance to silence critics and reaffirm the stadium as Simba’s stronghold.

Ally acknowledged that the team’s record at Benjamin Mkapa this season has not been convincing and admitted it is time to change that narrative.

“It is the right moment to erase the perception that Benjamin Mkapa is no longer Simba’s home. A win against Stade Malien will help restore respect and belief among our supporters,” he said.

In terms of team news, Simba will be without Wilson Nangu, who is expected to travel to South Africa over the weekend for ankle surgery. Meanwhile, Yakubu Suleiman is progressing well in his recovery and is close to rejoining the squad, offering a positive boost ahead of domestic assignments.

Stade Malien arrived in Tanzania in the early hours of yesterday morning and have already held a training session at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as they finalize their preparations. The Malian side will also be aiming to finish their group campaign on a high note, making tonight’s encounter a competitive affair despite Simba’s elimination.

All match officials for the fixture are from Malawi, as confirmed ahead of kick off.

Ally has called on Simba supporters to turn out in large numbers to back the team, insisting that the result, while not altering their CAF Champions League fate, carries significant importance for morale and momentum heading into the remaining domestic competitions.

He noted that a strong performance would serve as a foundation for the battles ahead in the Mainland Premier League and the FA Cup, competitions where Simba still have realistic ambitions.