- Simba SC won the first leg in Dar es Salaam 1-0
- Comments from Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi has brewed hostility between the two sides
- Ncikazi said Simba treated them badly in Dar es Salaam
Mandla Ncikazi, the Orlando Pirates co-coached opened up a hostile rivalry between Simba SC and Pirates with his post-match press conference after Wekundu wa Msimbazi beat the Bucaneers 1-0 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter final tie in Dar es Salaam last weekend.
Ncikazi said Simba treated them badly in Dar, and said they were a shame to African football. He was also up in arms over the VAR decision that handed Simba a 1-0 lead, said the referees acted in favour of the hosts.
His comments drew the ire of Simba fans and officials who demanded an official apology from Pirates due to what they termed as derogatory comments not only to Simba but the Republic of Tanzania.
The tensions haven’t seemed to simmer down as in a post on Twitter, Simba claimed that Pirates did not even offer them an escort from the airport and had to be guided to their team hotel by embassy officials.
But on the pitch, these two sides will look to make the most of the opportunity at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and progress to the semi-finals.
Simba SC players celebrate their win over Orlando Pirates
Simba are seeking their first ever appearance in the new era of CAF club competitions while Pirates are seeking their first appearance in the last eight of a continental assignment since 2015 when they reached the final of the Confederation Cup.
That season, they beat Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the semis to earn a ticket to the final.
Meanwhile, Al Masry will take on RS Berkane in the other quarter final tie in Morocco. Masry had a performance to remember in the first leg, beating Berkane 2-1 despite playing most of the match with nine men. Despite the lead, the tie promises to be far from over as Berkane host the return fixture on Sunday.
Head coach Florent Ibenge is under the microscope, but has promised that his side will show more consistency and determination to overturn the result.
On the other end, Mouine Chaabani and his charges are confident.
In Lubumbashi, TP Mazembe host Pyramids, with the tie placed even after a 0-0 result from the first leg in Cairo last weekend. Mazembe tactician Franck Dumas remains confident his side which lost only once in the group phase can make the most of their home advantage and progress to another continental semi-final.
Action between TP Mazembe and Pyramids SC
Pyramids will however not be an easy opponent for the Ravens but they will rely on the fact that they have been blowing hot and cold away from home.
Pyramids who lost in the finals of the 2020 season are eager to make another semi-final and their head coach Ehab Galal, who is set to join the national team, is keen to ensure he finishes his assignment with Pyramids on a high.
At the same time, the second instalment of the Libyan derby will be held in Benina, after last weekend’s first leg ended goalless. With the return tie, Ittihad will look to hurt their opponents with an away goal as any scoring draw or win will sail them through to the last four.
Tripoli will meanwhile have to win the match to progress and they will be keen to maximize on their home advantage.
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