Simba SC will look to finish the job when they host Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers in the return leg of their Caf Champions League first-round tie at Uhuru Stadium on September 13.
The match, scheduled for a 4pm kick-off, comes with Simba holding a slender advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Malawi on September 6.
The result gives the Tanzanian giants a valuable edge heading into the decisive encounter, but they will need to remain focused as Mighty Wanderers seek to overturn the deficit and keep their continental campaign alive.
Simba head coach Steve Barker described the opening encounter as a demanding contest, acknowledging the pressure posed by the Malawian side.
Despite the narrow margin, Barker said he was satisfied with his players’ performance and that the team would use the period before the return leg to sharpen its preparations.
“We thank our fans who travelled from Tanzania and those in Malawi for their great support, but we still need a bigger turnout in our next match,” Barker said.
For Mighty Wanderers, the task is clear: score in Dar es Salaam and overturn the one-goal deficit.
Coach Mac Donald Mtetemera admitted that mistakes made in the first leg contributed to the defeat, but said his players were determined to correct them before the return fixture.
He said the team would return to training to address the weaknesses exposed in Malawi and improve its performance ahead of the match that will decide which side advances to the next stage.
With Simba holding the advantage and Mighty Wanderers needing a comeback, the Uhuru Stadium encounter promises to be a closely contested battle, with a place in the next round at stake.