Dar es Salaam. Simba SC will tomorrow face Gaborone United of Botswana in the return leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The Tanzanian giants go into the match with a narrow advantage, having secured a 1-0 win in the first leg played in Botswana.
Speaking to reporters today, Simba’s head coach, Hemed Suleiman “Morocco,” said preparations were complete and the squad was ready for the decisive clash.
“We know it will be a tough game. It won’t be easy because the result will decide who goes through, but I believe we have a good squad that can achieve the target,” Morocco said.
The coach emphasized that the team had no injury concerns and all players were fit. “We thank God we don’t have any injuries. Everyone is ready. Of course, in football anything can happen, but we are prepared for the challenge,” he added.
Morocco admitted that his side did not perform at their best in the first leg, but stressed that the technical bench had worked on the weaknesses to ensure an improved performance at home.
Simba’s Media and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ally, echoed the coach’s optimism but also cautioned that pressure was on Simba to deliver.
“We are facing a team that has nothing to lose, while for us the expectations are high. That makes it a difficult situation. We have erased the one-goal lead from our minds and are treating this as if we are starting from 0-0,” Ahmed said.
He added that arrangements have been made for fans to watch the match at Coco Beach, following a change from the initially announced MwembeYanga venue.
“We ask our supporters to turn out in large numbers, cheer together, and give the players the motivation they need,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azam FC will also be in action tomorrow when they host South Sudan’s Al Merriekh Juba in the CAF Confederation Cup return leg at the Azam Complex in Chamazi.
Azam, who won the first leg 2-0 away in Juba, will be looking to seal progression to the next stage with another strong performance at home.
