Okwi: No surprise if Simba reach CAFCL final

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Apr 17, 2021. 14:00

Ugandan winger Emmanuel Okwi has stated that he would not be surprised to see Simba SC reach the final of this season’s CAF Champions League.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi secured impressive progress into the quarterfinals of the premier continental club competition, topping Group A ahead of reigning champions Al Ahly of Egypt, DR Congo heavyweights AS Vita and Sudanese giants Al Merrikh.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS

Simba have reached the CAFCL quarterfinals in the not-too-distant past, qualifying for the final eight in 2018-19, but Okwi, who played for Simba in three separate spells, reckons they are capable of going a lot further this season.

“Simba are a surprise to every football fan in Africa now, finishing as the Group A leaders in front of teams like Al Ahly and DR Congo’s AS Vita is no small feat, that shows that they are strong and are the best team in Africa now,” Okwi is quoted by IPP Media.

“It will not be surprising to see them play in the final and even lift the trophy, they deserve a lot of success this season given how good their squad is.”

The Uganda Cranes player added, “In Tanzania I feel like home because I have lived with the country’s people well, and then I love it very much, especially Simba SC, which I played for, for a long time.

“I love it because it has changed my life for the most part, it has moreover given me the opportunity to get to where I am, so I am proud to love Simba.”

Okwi currently plays for Al Ittihad in the Egyptian Premier League.

The draw for the quarterfinals of the CAFCL will take place on April 30, with Simba set to be paired with one of CR Belouizdad, Kaizer Chiefs or MC Alger (the three runners-up from Groups B, C and D respectively).