Simba coach optimistic of clinching Confederation Cup despite suffering loss in first leg

Simba head coach Fadlu Davids is optimistic of turning the tables when they host two-time champions RS Berkane in the return leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup final.

RS Berkane, the newly crowned Morocco Premier League champions, defeated Simba SC 2-0 in the first leg of the final played at the Berkane Municipal Stadium on Saturday evening.

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Mamadou Camara nodded in the opening goal after 8 minutes off a Hamza El Moussaoui corner, with Oussama Lamlaoui doubling Berkane’s lead six minutes later.

The damage could have been bigger had the host capitalized on the clear-cut chances in the first half under the lights.

Despite the defeat, the South African tactician believes that the team has what it takes to draw level and get the business done in the second leg scheduled for 25 May.

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Given that the away goal rule is still much alive in the competition, three unanswered goals will be enough to get the business done for the former Tanzanian champions.

“The final is played over two legs, and we have a chance to get back to the drawing board and plan better. We conceded two early goals, which put us on the back foot, but I am optimistic we can still perform better in the return leg,” said Fadlu in an interview with Cecafa Online.

This is not the first time for Simba to grace the final of the second-tier of the continental inter-club football tournament, as they lost the 1993 final.

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While Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be seeking a big win in the second leg, a draw of any kind will be enough to seal a third title for Berkane.

This is the second time a Tanzanian club has reached the CAF Confederation Cup final in recent years, as Young Africans graced the 2023 edition, losing on the away goal rule to USM Alger.