Simba earns first leg advantage as Pirates fume over Dar defeat

• Shomari Kapombe scored the winner from the penalty spot
• Pirates fumed at the treatment they received in Dar
• The return leg will be played next weekend in Johannesburg

Shomari Kapombe’s 68^th minute penalty was the difference as Tanzania’s Simba SC edged out Orlando Pirates by a solitary goal in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter final tie in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

But, Pirates were left fuming with the decision to award the penalty to Simba, as well as the treatment they were allegedly given by their hosts.

“As Africans we must change. The penalty they gave them was not a penalty. We have VAR but the referee doesn’t want to look at the VAR. Why is it even there. Today we did not lose but they gave them the victory,” Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi fumed after the game.

He added; “As Africans, why are we treating fellow Africans so badly? Since the first day we arrived, we have been subjected to inhumane treatment by our hosts. But when you guys come for the return leg, we will treat you well. We will show you how a team is treated.”

Simba SC players celebrate their win over Orlando Pirates

Simba on the other hand were delighted with the victory, coach Pablo Franco saying the job is not yet done.

“We played against a very difficult team but the fact that we scored and didn’t concede is a good thing for us. We know it will be tougher in the second leg but we have a few days to correct everything,” the Spanish coach said.

Simba dominated much of possession, pushed on by the noisy crowd, but chances were few and far in between. Kwame Peprah had a chance for Pirates with a shot deflected for a corner after a good mazy run into the area.

Simba’s best chance of the opening half fell on their Ghanaian import Bernard Morrison right at the break when he cut in from the right, unleashing a well taken shot that was saved by a fully-stretched Richard Ofori.

In the second half, Simba continued their dominance and had another opportunity in the 54^th minute when Chris Mugalu found shooting space from distance, but the effort didn’t gather enough strength, Ofori making a comfortable save.

Action between Simba SC and Orlando Pirates

Ten minutes later though, Simba had a golden chance. The fleet-footed Morrison was brought down by Happy Jele inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot, the VAR confirming as much, awarding Simba a spot kick.

Right back Kapombe stepped up and made no mistake, scoring the opener with Ofori going the wrong way.

Pirates turned the tide on Simba after conceding and they pushed more, seeking to level the scores and most importantly grab an away goal. Substitute Fortune Makaringe came close, in both occasions forcing Aishi Manula to good saves at the near post.

Despite throwing everything at attack, Simba managed to stay calm and guard the slim lead, taking it to the return fixture.