Robertinho: Africa now know who Simba are

by Staff Reporter

Monday May 01, 2023. 11:25

Simba head coach Robertinho insists the club should be proud of their efforts in the CAF Champions League after bowing out to defending champions Wydad Casablanca on penalties in the quarter-finals.

The Msimbazi Reds pulled off a surprise 1-0 win over Wydad in Dar es Salaam on April 22 to take the slenderest of advantages into the second leg at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday.

The Red Castle leveled the tie when Bouly Sambou opened the scoring on 24 minutes and Robertinho’s side kept their shape at the back to ensure the score remained 1-0 at the end of 90 minutes.

Simba went on to miss two spot-kicks in the shootout as the Moroccan giants emerged 4-3 victors to set up a semi-final date with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Robertinho paid tribute to his players for a fine performance and declared they have put Tanzanian football back on the map in Africa after showing they can compete with the continent’s best.

“It was a difficult game. Our objective was to qualify and win. We played well, the players gave their maximum on the pitch,” the Brazilian told the media upon the team’s arrival back in Tanzania.

“Penalties are penalties, you can’t make quick decisions but I’m happy about the performance of the team, the pace. I think Simba SC showed everyone our capacity, many more people in different countries now know who Simba SC are.

“I am very happy about our personality with ball possession and compactness. Penalties are part of football but we cannot talk about them. Congratulations to everyone, fans, players and management of the team.”