Fadlu Davids Eyes Crucial Away Goal vs Al Masry

Fadlu Davids Emphasizes Vital Away Goal Ahead of CAF Quarter-Final Clash

As Simba SC prepares for their crucial CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final first-leg fixture against Egypt's Al Masry, Head Coach Fadlu Davids has underlined the importance of securing a vital away goal at the New Suez Stadium on April 2.

The Tanzanian giants arrived in Egypt yesterday with their focus firmly set on a positive result that would set the stage for the return leg in Dar es Salaam.

“The focus is on securing an away goal,” Davids stated. “In matches like this, the weight of an away goal is extremely important. We understand that the match will be decided at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, so whether we win, lose, or draw in Egypt, the crucial part of the tie will come back to Dar es Salaam.”

Davids expressed respect for Al Masry, acknowledging the Egyptian side as formidable opponents.

“Al Masry is probably the strongest team we have faced in the competition so far. They play with a three-man defence, are quite aggressive, and press high. It’s going to be a tough away match, but we have done our homework. We have watched their games and are fully prepared.”

Despite the daunting challenge, the coach remains confident in Simba's capabilities and emphasized the squad’s commitment to achieving a strong performance.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we believe in our team. We are focused on getting through this match and securing a result that will put us in a good position for the return leg.”

The decisive second leg will take place on April 9 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where Simba will aim to capitalize on their home advantage.

Reflecting on his personal journey in continental football, Davids—who previously led Orlando Pirates to the CAF Confederation Cup final—revealed the motivation driving his current campaign.

“When I was coaching Orlando Pirates, we reached the final but lost to Berkane on penalties. That experience gives me extra motivation to win this tournament, but right now we can’t think about the final. Our focus is entirely on Al Masry and overcoming them to qualify for the semifinals.”

Simba SC has consistently demonstrated their strength on the continental stage, reaching the CAF Champions League quarter-finals in 2020/21, 2022/23, and 2023/24, and advancing to the same stage in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2021/22. However, the club has yet to progress beyond this barrier.

In 2020/21, Simba was edged out by South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs with an aggregate score of 4-3. The 2021/22 Confederation Cup quarter-final saw them eliminated by Orlando Pirates via penalties after a 1-1 aggregate. A similar fate awaited them in the 2022/23 Champions League campaign, where they fell to Wydad Casablanca, again in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 tie on aggregate. Last season, the club was knocked out by Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly, suffering a 3-0 aggregate defeat.

Now, with a seasoned coach at the helm and renewed determination, Simba SC seeks to rewrite history—beginning with a crucial performance in Suez.