Fadlu Davids' Simba SC advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup final with a 1-0 win aggregate win over Stellenbosch FC.
CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Simba SC (0-1 aggregate)
Date: 27 April 2025
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Tanzanian outfit came into the clash with a slender lead after winning the first leg 1-0 last weekend, although coach Davids was disappointed not to have scored more goals on the day.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker made just one change from the first leg as Khomotjo Lekoloane came in for Ibraheem Jabaar, as Oscarine Masuluke kept his spot between the sticks ahead of Sage Stephens.
It was a lively affair in the early stages of the encounter but Stellenbosch had to wait until after the 20-minute make for a sight at goal, with Chumani Butsaka firing over the target with an effort from distance.
The hosts went even closer five minutes before the halftime break as New Zealand striker Andre de Jong lost his marker in the area but sent his header inches over the crossbar.
Barker's men thought they were given a lifeline ten minutes into the second half after being a awarded a penalty, however the decision was reversed after the referee had a view of the incident on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor.
The hosts responded with a double change after 64 minutes as Sanele Barns and Genino Palace replaced Lekoloane and Butsaka, while Lesiba Nku made his way onto the field five minutes later.
The changes looked to have paid off as Stellenbosch pulled ahead ten minutes later through Palace's finish, but the VAR stepped in once again ruled the goal out for offside.
The South African threw everything forward in search of a goal in the closing stages but the Tanzanian outfit remained resolute to hold on for the draw and book their spot in the final.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch: Masuluke, Toure, Lekoalane, Enyinnaya, Nduli, Butsaka, De Jong, Basadien, Moloisane, Titus, Khiba
Subs: Langeveldt, Mdaka, Mcaba, Onyango, Palace, Barns, Jabaar, Nku, Philander
Simba: Camara, Chamou, Ngoma, Ahoua, Mukwala, Kapombe, Hamza, Hussein, Kagoma, Mpanzu, Denis
