Simba have a huge challenge as they face Wydad Casablanca in CAF Champions League quarter finals
Simba Sporting Club have a huge mountain to climb when they welcome defending champions Wydad Casablanca to the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter finals.
The last eight of the African Champions League has already kickoff with Algerian side JS Kabylie losing at home to Tunisian champions ES Tunis on Friday evening. Thanks to Ben Hammouda second half strike that broke the hosts’ heart at the Stade du 5 Juliet.
Simba continue the train a day later with Saturday’s early kickoff against current holders Wydad Athletic Club and the Tanzanian side face the biggest test of the season.
Simba beat Horoya Athletic Club and Ugandan side FC Vipers to the second place in group C with Raja Casablanca topping the group with 16 points, 7 above Simba.
Simba are currently staying 2nd position on the Tanzanian Premier League table 5 points below leaders Young Africans who have 68 points.
Simba are in a good domestic form remaining unbeaten in their last five games in the Tanzanian Premier League but with 3 games to end the season, it seems they cannot win the trophy that will see them miss out on the title for two consecutive seasons.
This form should be a point to beating Wydad Athletic Casablanca on but will be very difficult to sink the Moroccan outfit in Tanzania.
Raja were one of the only two clubs along with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns that never lost in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
WAC is one of the two clubs along with Tunisian giants ES Tunis that lost only a game in the group stage. Wydad Casablanca lost to JS Kabylie while ES Tunis lost in hands of Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek.
Holding WAC’s record, the Moroccans are more likely to win this game in Tanzania, and that is why it will be a challenge for Simba as they host WAC.
The Botola Pro 1 champions and second place side for this term conceded only a goal making them the team to concede the least goals as they play a free scoring Simba side.
Simba and WAC enter into the game with fine league form but domestic results has not necessarily affected continental performance.
Despite WAC looking the favourites in the clash, Simba have proved doubters wrong in some previous games. Simba beat Al Ahly 1-0 in last 2 season’s CAF Champions League.
These are some of the moments Simba will be counting on against Wydad Athletic Club this afternoon.
