Fadlu confident of comeback despite away Caf Cup setback
What you need to know:
- Simba lost 2-0 to RS Berkane and need at least a 2-0 win to level the tie and take the match to penalties, or a 3-0 victory to qualify for the group stage and keep their title hopes alive
Dar es Salaam. Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids remains optimistic about his team's chances of turning the tables on Morocco’s RS Berkane when the two sides meet in the decisive second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup playoff at the New Amaan Complex on May 25.
Simba lost 2-0 to RS Berkane and need at least a 2-0 win to level the tie and take the match to penalties, or a 3-0 victory to qualify for the group stage and keep their title hopes alive.
Despite the disappointing result at the Berkane Municipal Stadium, Davids praised his players for their resilience and insisted that the tie is far from over.
“We’re still in it. It’s only halftime. It’s a two-legged tie, and we have another 90 minutes in front of our home fans in Zanzibar,” said Davids after the match.
“I know our players have the character and determination to fight back and make it right.” RS Berkane took full advantage of their home ground, scoring two goals that left Simba with a mountain to climb in the return leg.
Yet Davids is banking on a different narrative when the Tanzanian giants host the second leg. We made two key mistakes that led to their goals, but apart from that, our overall performance was competitive. We had our moments and created chances,” the South African tactician stated.
“If we are sharper in front of goal and keep our concentration at the back, we can definitely overturn this.”
Davids stressed that the technical bench has already begun planning for the return leg, including tactical adjustments and mental preparation for the players.
He is particularly encouraged by the team’s performance in the latter stages of the first leg, where they managed to limit RS Berkane’s attacking threats.
“We managed to control large parts of the game in the second half, which gives us belief. We know the task ahead is not easy, but Simba has come back from difficult situations before,” he added.
Simba will need to win by a margin of at least two goals without conceding to force penalties or win by three goals to qualify outright.
Davids, however, remains calm and focused, stressing the importance of staying positive and preparing with intent.
“We must believe, and we do. Football is about moments, and we aim to create those special moments in Zanzibar. The players know what is at stake, and they are ready to fight until the last minute,” he said.
