- Simba play Horoya SC at home in Dar
- They are second in Group C with six points
- A win will assure them of a place in the quarters
Tanzanian giants Simba SC will play Guinea’s Horoya at home in Dar es Salaam on Saturday evening, with the hopes of qualification for the quarter finals of the CAF Champions League.
Simba are on six points, two ahead of third placed Horoya and are hosting the Guinean side in Dar es Salaam in a tough duel.
Simba will confirm third place if they beat Horoya at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as they will move to nine points, five ahead of the Guineans. They lost the first leg 1-0 in Conakry in a game in which they lost a myriad of chances and will be keen to make amends.
Head coach Roberto Oliveira says he is optimistic his side will make the best out of their chance and will win at home, calling on their fans to turn out in large numbers and offer them support.
“We have prepared well for this match and we will go all out to win. Our target is to qualify for the quarter finals and the only way to do that is to win against Horoya. We respect them because they are a good opponent but for us, we have to go there and get maximum points,” said the Brazilian coach.
He added; “For me, I am always positive. I trust in my players, I trust in the training we have done and we will be a good side for the match.”
Simba with back to back wins
players during a training session. PHOTO/Simba
Simba have won their last two matches, beating Uganda’s Vipers home and away and are beaming in confidence heading into the duel.
While Simba come into the tie with confidence off back to back wins, Horoya have lost back to back matches against group leaders Raja Club Athletic and are keen to make ammends.
The group leaders will be away to bottom placed Vipers who are winless, goalless and with just a point from their first four matches.
Meanwhile, another East African side which will have an opportunity of making the last eight is Sudan’s Al Hilal. They are placed second in Group B with nine points, one behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns whom they face in Omdurman in a crucial tie.
Just need a point
Al Hilal celebrate their past win. PHOTO/Al Hilal
Hilal will progress to the last eight with just a point from the game and in the end crushing record champions Al Ahly’s hopes of making the last eight. The Egyptian side won 4-0 away to Cotonsport of Cameroon on Friday, but fate is not in their hands.
Hilal, coached by revered Congolese coach Florent Ibenge, who won the CAF Confederation Cup with Morocco’s RS Berkane last season, are seeking to make their own dreams come true.
They lost 1-0 to Masandawana in the first leg and are keen to avenge for that defeat. Also, the last time the South African league champions played in Omdurman last season, they won 4-2.
“They are a very good quality side and we have to be at our best to beat them. My players know what is needed of them and we will do our best to get victory,” the tactician said.
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