Simba can still qualify for quarters despite being bottom

Monday Mar 11, 2019. 09:36

Despite being bottom of Group D in the CAF Champions League and losing 2-0 to Algeria’s Saoura at the Stade du 20 Août 1955 on Saturday night, Tanzania’s Simba can still qualify for the quarterfinals of the competition.

The loss for Simba is third in the group and sees them on six points at the bottom of the standings.
Saoura, on the other hand, are on eight points from five matches, one point above second and third placed Al Ahly and AS Vita Club with one match left in the group.

The home side started positively on the night and managed to make their pressure tell with the opening goal in the 18th minute courtesy of a strike from Yahia Cherif, 1-0.

Simba tried to find their way back into the match, but were unable to pull a goal back as they entered the half time break trailing.

Six minutes into the second half Saoura were able to double their lead thanks to a penalty goal from Mohamed Hammia, 2-0.

The Algerian side seemed happy with their two-goal advantaged and sat back in defence. Simba pushed forward, but could find no joy in front of goal.

Saoura are in action again in the Champions League for their last Group D game next Saturday away to Al Ahly while Simba will host Vita.

Saoura (1) 2 (Cherif 18’, Hammia 51’ pen)
Simba (0) 0

Teams

Saoura: Nateche, Tiboutine, Khoualed, Bekakchi, Barka, Bouchiba, Merbah, Yahia Cherif (Djallit 88’), Hammia, Farhi Benhalima, Hammar (Ulimwengu 79’).

Simba: Manula, Coulibaly, Wawa, Bundala, Husseini, Dilunga (Niyonzima 46’), Kotei, Mkude (Yassin 84’), Chama (Mtabwigwa 72’), Bocco, Kagere.