NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – Tanzanian giants Simba SC will be looking to clinch their first ever Continental trophy when they take on Morocco’s RS Berkane in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup in Zanzibar.
Simba come into the tie with a 2-0 defficit from the first leg played in Morocco last weekend, and are seeking to overturn the score. They will need a win of more than three goals to advance, while a 2-0 victory at home will send the game to penalties.
Most of the build up towards the tie was centered around the match venue, with Simba’s preferred spot, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam being flagged by CAF.
This prompted the match to be moved to the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar. Despite being moved away from their preferred ‘slaughter house’, defender Shomari Kapombe told Telecomasia.net the team will not be deterred in their quest.
“That (change of venue) has not deterred us a bit. Of course we would have wanted to play at Mkapa where we would have had a full stadium and great support but Zanzibar is also home. We will have our huge support here as well and as players, the focus is to do the job on the pitch. Our fans will push us in whichever number they will be and we will go all out to pick victory and make history for our club and the country. Our focus is so sharp and we could see it even in training, everyone is hungry to get a good result,” Kapombe said, responding to Telecomasia.
Meanwhile, Berkane are seeking their third CAF Confed Cup title, and having lost last year’s final to Egypt’s Zamalek, coach Moine Chaabani says they are not ready to make the mistake twice.
Berkane lost last year’s final to Egyptian giants Zamalek, despite having won the first leg at home 2-1. They lost the return tie in Egypt 1-0, the White Knights winning the trophy on the away goal rule.
Speaking to Telecomasia.net ahead of the game, the coach said they learnt their lessons and will look to finish the job early against Simba.
“Yes, it was painful for us to lose after winning in the first leg and we have learnt our lesson. This is something we are not prepared to see happening again. We are focused on doing a good job away from home and winning on the pitch and overall as well. Simba is a good side and they will be tough playing in their backyard but we are well prepared mentally and physically for the task. The players know what we must do to win and we have a good plan,” the coach stated.
