Tanzanian giants Simba SC have successfully secured the top spot in their group after amassing 13 points in the CAF Confederation Cup, following their emphatic 2-0 victory over Algeria's CS Constantine.
The match, held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, marked the final group stage fixture.
Simba took the lead in the 61st minute when Kibu Denis scored after receiving a precise pass from Elie Mpanzu.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 79th minute, with Lionel Ateba converting a cross delivered by Shomari Kapombe.
This win relegated CS Constantine to second place with 12 points. However, both teams have advanced to the tournament's quarterfinal stage.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides showing attacking intent. Simba managed six shots, one of which was on target, forcing Constantine’s goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya to make a crucial save from Lionel Ateba in the 26th minute. Constantine, on the other hand, had a single shot on target in the 28th minute when Ibrahim Dib tested Simba’s keeper Moussa Camara, who was equal to the task.
The game was officiated by Celso Alvacao from Mozambique, who handed yellow cards to Simba’s Kibu Denis in the 8th minute and Constantine’s Houari Baouchaa in the 10th minute for fouls on opposing players.
Lineups
Simba SC: Moussa Camara, Fabrice Ngoma, Debora Fernandes, Jean Charles Ahoua, Ladack Chasambi, Shomari Kapombe, Lionel Ateba, Mzamiru Yassin, Abdulrazack Hamza, Mohammed Hussein, Valentin Nouma, Malone Fondoh Che, Yusuph Kagoma, Edwin Balua, Elie Mpanzu, Kibu Denis.
CS Constantine: Zakaria Bouhalfaya, Laid Chahine Bellaouel, Mohammed Benchaira, Houari Baouchaa, Zakaria Benchaa, Brahim Dib, Oussama Meddahi, Messila Merbah, Omoyele Abraham, Miloud Rebiai, Achraf Boudrama.
Simba’s dominance in the group stage sets the stage for an exciting knockout phase as the team aims to continue their impressive form.