Simba SC will be looking to complete the job and book their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League when they host Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers at Uhuru Stadium tomorrow.
The Tanzanian giants take a 1-0 lead into the second leg after Anicet Oura’s second-half goal secured victory in the first meeting in Malawi.
The narrow advantage gives Simba an edge, but they will need another disciplined performance at home to avoid being dragged into a difficult contest by a Wanderers side determined to overturn the deficit.
Simba head coach Steve Barker said his team had used the time between the two matches to correct weaknesses exposed in the first leg.
“We did not play well in the previous game despite getting the result. We have had good time to make corrections ahead of tomorrow’s match,” Barker said yesterday.
Barker said his players were focused on producing a better performance while maintaining their competitiveness as they pursue qualification for the next stage.
Simba midfielder David Kameta, popularly known as Duchu, said the squad was well prepared and ready for the challenge.
“We have prepared well and are ready for the game. We believe it will be a good match, and we will continue to play our normal game as we look for a positive result,” he said.
Duchu also called on Simba supporters to turn up in large numbers at Uhuru Stadium, saying their backing would provide the team with the motivation needed to achieve its objective.
For Mighty Wanderers, the task is to overturn the one-goal deficit away from home.
Head coach MacDonald Mtetemera acknowledged that Simba would provide a tough test, but said his side had worked on the mistakes made in the first leg.
“We expect a difficult game because Simba are a quality side, but we have corrected the mistakes we made in the first match and we will be better tomorrow,” Mtetemera said.
With Simba holding the advantage, the second leg will test their ability to manage pressure and turn a slender lead into qualification as they continue their campaign on the continental stage.