SIMBA Sports Club are just 90 minutes away from securing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals, with their decisive match scheduled against Angola’s GD Bravos do Maquis on January 12 at 7:00 PM (East African Time).

The highly anticipated clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for critical points in the tournament’s group stage.

Simba, currently second in their group, need at least a draw in Angola to confirm their progression to the knockout phase. 

A victory would not only cement their place in the quarterfinals but also bolster their chances of topping the group. 

However, the stakes are equally high for Bravos, who have accumulated six points and will be desperate to secure all three points to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.

Bravos’ final group match will be against CS Sfaxien, a team that has struggled throughout the competition. A win against Simba could position Bravos advantageously to fight for a place in the quarterfinals. 

This scenario makes the Angola showdown a must-win for the hosts, adding pressure to Simba’s quest for qualification.

For Simba, securing a positive result in Angola would mean their final group match against CS Constantine at home could be a battle to determine the group’s leader, rather than a fight for survival. 

Head coach Fadlu Davids (pictured) and his squad are aware of the high stakes, and all eyes are on their preparation for this crucial fixture.

Simba returned to Tanzania in high spirits after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien in Tunisia. The win has significantly boosted their chances of advancing to the next stage. 

The team landed safely in Dar es Salaam early yesterday morning and has only a few days to prepare before heading to Angola for the all-important fifth-round match.

Midfield maestro Jean Charles Ahoua was the hero in Tunisia, netting his second goal of the CAF Confederation Cup campaign. His consistent performances have been pivotal in Simba’s success, as he has directly contributed to three of the team’s five goals in the group stage. 

Ahoua scored in the fixture against Bravos and provided a key assist in the first leg against CS Sfaxien, underscoring his importance to the team.

At just 22 years old, the Ivorian midfielder has been a revelation for Simba since joining the club. Despite Davids noting that Ahoua has yet to reach his full potential, the young star’s statistics are impressive. 

In all competitions this season, Ahoua has been involved in 15 goals for Simba, scoring seven and assisting five in the Tanzanian Premier League, and contributing three directly in the CAF CC.

Ahoua’s performances have quickly endeared him to Simba fans, and his ability to deliver in crucial moments has become a defining feature of his debut season. 

His potential to influence the game in Angola will undoubtedly be one of Simba’s key weapons against Bravos.

Davids faces a tight schedule to prepare his team for the upcoming encounter. Simba’s recent form has been encouraging, but the away match in Angola presents unique challenges. 

The team’s focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity and capitalizing on opportunities to secure the result they need.

A win or draw in Angola would relieve pressure heading into their final group-stage match, allowing Simba to concentrate on maintaining their lead at the top of the group. 

Davids’ tactical acumen and the team’s resilience will be put to the test in this high-stakes clash.

Simba’s journey in the CAF Confederation Cup has showcased their growth as a competitive force in African football. With the support of their passionate fans and a squad brimming with talent, the club is determined to extend their campaign beyond the group stage. The match against Bravos represents a final hurdle in achieving that goal.

As the January 12 fixture draws closer, the anticipation among fans and players alike continues to build. 

For Simba, the equation is simple: avoid defeat in Angola, and the dream of lifting the CAF Confederation Cup remains alive.