Tanzania Premier League side Simba SC suffered a 2-0 defeat against Al Masry in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.
Abderrahim Deghmoum opened the scoring for the Egyptian team after 16 minutes at the New Suez Stadium on Wednesday evening. His powerful shot caught Simba SC goalkeeper Moussa Camara off guard.
Despite the early setback, Simba SC quickly regrouped and launched several attacks, with efforts from Leonel Ateba and Jean Charles Ahoua being denied by Al Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad.
In the second half, Simba SC continued to push for an equalizer but faced swift counterattacks from Al Masry. Elie Mpanzu’s strong shot was saved by Gad just minutes after the break, and defender Shomari Kapombe also had his attempt blocked.
As the match neared its conclusion, Al Masry extended their lead with a second goal from substitute John Okoye.
Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids expressed his disappointment over their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities but remained optimistic about the return leg.
“The quarter-final is decided over two legs, and we must be prepared for the home match,” he emphasized.
Simba SC will aim to perform at their best when they host Al Masry in the return leg on April 9, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam.
