In a thrilling encounter that saw its share of controversy, Tanzanian giants Simba SC edged past Stellenbosch FC with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday afternoon. The match, played in front of a passionate crowd, was marked by a stunning free kick from Ivorian midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua just before the half-time whistle.
The game was initially scheduled for the larger Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, but maintenance work forced a relocation to the 15,000-seater Amaan Stadium. Despite the change in venue, Simba made their intentions clear from the outset, dominating possession and creating early chances.
Stellenbosch FC, the South African side making their first appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. While they had moments of promise, including a glancing header from Andre De Jong that was saved by Simba's goalkeeper, Ahoua's brilliance ultimately stole the show.
The decisive moment came just before half-time when Simba was awarded a free kick close to the 18-yard box. Ahoua stepped up and delivered a curling shot that evaded the Stellenbosch defense and found the back of the net. However, the goal was shrouded in controversy as it appeared that Simba forward Denis Prosper Kibu was in an offside position and interfered with play. After a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo allowed the goal to stand, sending Simba into the break with a 1-0 lead.
As the second half commenced, Simba nearly doubled their advantage just five minutes in. A header from Ahoua, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, missed the target narrowly. Despite the missed opportunity, Simba continued to assert their dominance, pinning Stellenbosch back into their own half.
Stellenbosch, under the guidance of coach Steve Barker, made tactical changes in an attempt to find an equalizer. They brought on fresh legs, including Khomotjo Lekoloane and Athenkosi Mcaba, but the visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances. In fact, Stellenbosch managed only one shot on target throughout the match, a statistic that highlighted their difficulties against a resolute Simba defense.
In the closing stages, Simba had a chance to extend their lead when Ahoua found himself clean through on goal, but he fired against the side-netting, missing a golden opportunity to secure a more comfortable advantage.
As the final whistle blew, Simba celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Stellenbosch faced the reality of needing to overturn the deficit in the second leg. The return match is set to take place at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on April 27, 2025, where Stellenbosch will need to summon all their strength to advance to the final.
Coach Fadlu Davids expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "We showed determination and skill today, and while the goal was controversial, we will take the win and build on this momentum for the second leg." Meanwhile, Barker acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "We have to regroup and come back stronger. We need to create more scoring opportunities if we want to progress in this tournament."
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, both teams will be looking to make a statement in the upcoming clash. Stellenbosch, despite their setback, will take confidence from their performance in the second half, where they showed resilience and determination. As fans eagerly await the rematch, the question remains: can Stellenbosch turn the tide and secure a place in the final, or will Simba continue their quest for continental glory?
