Simba SC pulled off a dramatic comeback to eliminate Egypt’s Al Masry in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, winning 4-1 on penalties after levelling the tie with a 2-0 victory in regulation time on Wednesday evening in Dar es Salaam.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Suez, the Tanzanian outfit produced a spirited performance at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to force a shootout, where they held their nerve to book a place in the semi-finals.
First-half blitz revives Simba hopes
Needing a fast start, Simba delivered. Elie Mpanzu ignited the crowd in the 22nd minute with a powerful left-footed finish after bursting through from the left wing. That goal gave the hosts belief, and just 10 minutes later, Stephen Mkwala headed in from a well-timed cross to make it 2-0 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate.
Al Masry looked rattled, with their goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad called into action multiple times as Simba pushed to finish the job in 90 minutes.
Missed opportunities and tempers flaring
The Egyptian side responded after the break by making tactical changes, introducing Mido Gaber and Mohamed Hashem to regain control in midfield. Despite improved possession, they struggled to break down a resolute Simba defence.
Simba nearly had a chance to finish the tie in normal time when the referee initially pointed to the spot for a foul in the box. But after consulting VAR, the decision was overturned, offering Al Masry a lifeline.
The closing stages were tense, with both sides creating half-chances. A late Simba effort narrowly missed the target, while Al Masry failed to trouble Hamza Hayani in the final minutes.
Shootout seals Simba’s progression
In the penalty shootout, Simba were faultless. John Ohwa, Makwala, Kebu Dennis, and Shomari Kapombe confidently slotted their efforts past Gad. For Al Masry, it was a case of nerves getting the better of them — only Fakhreddine Ben Youssef found the net, while both Mido Gaber and Mahmoud Hamada saw their attempts saved or miss the mark.
The victory sends Simba into the last four of the competition, marking a historic progression after a shaky first-leg performance. They now await the winner of the quarter-final clash between Zamalek and Stellenbosch, with the first leg having gone in the Egyptian club’s favour.
For Al Masry and coach Anis Boujelbene, the exit marks the end of their continental journey this season, despite a strong start in the first leg.
