Dar es Salaam. Simba SC solidified their dominance in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory against Algeria’s CS Constantine on Sunday January 19, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. The result propelled the Tanzanian champions to the top of the group, finishing with 13 points, one ahead of Constantine, as both teams advanced to the quarter-finals.
After a tightly contested first half, Simba showcased their class with an inspired second-half performance. Kibu Denis broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, unleashing a thunderous strike from inside the box that left Constantine’s goalkeeper helpless. Leonel Ateba sealed the win with a composed finish in the 79th minute, capping off a clinical counter-attack to send the home fans into jubilation, albeit from afar, as the game was played behind closed doors.
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The penalty of an empty stadium was imposed by CAF following crowd troubles during Simba’s fiery December 15, 2024, encounter with Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien. Despite the lack of fan support, Simba rose to the occasion, controlling the game with composure and determination.
The match highlighted Simba’s defensive solidity and attacking flair, underscoring why they are among the favorites for this year’s title. With five wins and a single defeat in their group campaign, Simba not only secured the top spot but also sent a clear message to potential quarter-final opponents.
The victory carried extra significance for Simba, as it was seen as retribution for their earlier 2-1 defeat to Constantine in the group stage on December 8, 2024. That loss, a hard-fought contest on Algerian soil, marked Simba’s only stumble in an otherwise stellar campaign.
Meanwhile, CS Constantine, though outplayed on the day, finished second with 12 points, their earlier consistency ensuring their progress to the next stage.
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Elsewhere in Group A, CS Sfaxien delivered an emphatic 4-0 win over Angola’s Bravos do Maquis in a dead-rubber match. Mohamed Nasraoui scored early, with Firas Sekkouhi adding a second before two unfortunate own goals by Bravos deepened their woes. However, the victory was bittersweet for Sfaxien, who exited the competition at the bottom of the table with just three points, their late flourish too little, too late.
Simba SC now turns their attention to the quarter-finals, where they aim to continue their march toward continental glory. With a potent attack, a solid defense, and the determination to overcome any obstacle, the Tanzanian giants are poised to make a deep run in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
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