Simba SC held Stellenbosch FC to a 0-0 stalemate at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, clinching their coveted spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final.
Following their slender advantage of their 1-0 first-leg triumph in Zanzibar, the Tanzanian titans expertly neutralized the Betway Premiership outfit’s attacking endeavors in a tense Durban showdown.
Stellenbosch, facing the imperative of overturning the aggregate deficit, launched wave after wave of attacks during the initial encounters of the highly anticipated clash.
However, their spirited efforts were repeatedly thwarted by an impenetrable Simba defense, marshaled brilliantly by an inspired goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who proved an unyielding presence between the posts throughout the gripping encounter.
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A moment of hope arrived for Stellenbosch midway through the second half when Genino Palace found the back of the net, igniting brief celebrations. However, the elation was abruptly extinguished as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, ruling the goal offside and delivering a crushing blow to the aspirations of Steve Barker’s charges.
The dying embers of the match saw the hosts come agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock. Fawaaz Basadien and Ismaël Touré both squandered late opportunities, their near misses amplifying the tension that gripped the stadium. Earlier in the contest, Devin Titus and Sanele Barns also watched their attempts veer narrowly wide as the home side desperately sought a breakthrough.
Former Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids, orchestrated a masterful tactical blueprint, effectively stifling Stellenbosch’s attacking rhythm and strategically disrupting the flow of the game at crucial junctures.
The Tanzanian side weathered a series of nervy moments in the final ten minutes, including two late corner kicks, showcasing remarkable composure to safeguard their hard-earned advantage.
This hard-fought result propels Simba SC closer to realizing their dream of securing a maiden continental title since 1993, when they reached the final of the now-defunct CAF Cup, ultimately finishing as runners-up. The Msimbazi Reds will take on Morocco’s RS Berkane in the grand finale of the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Condeferations Cup.
For Stellenbosch FC, this semi-final exit marks the conclusion of a remarkable and unprecedented continental journey. Their maiden foray into African football saw them defy expectations, progressing to the final four and etching their name in the club’s history.
Simba SC will undoubtedly draw immense confidence from their resolute defensive performance and will now turn their focus to the crucial final, harboring aspirations of culminating their memorable campaign with coveted silverware.