Simba SC all out to progress to ASFC quarterfinals   

02Mar 2023
Michael Mwebe
DAR ES SALAAM
Sport
The Guardian
Simba SC all out to progress to ASFC quarterfinals   

FRESH from winning their 2022/23 CAF Champions League Group C outing against Vipers SC, Simba SC will aim to book a place in the quarterfinals of this season's Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) when the club takes on African Sports in Dar es Salaam this afternoon.

Simba SC players participate in training in Dar es Salaam recently to shape up for the 2022/23 Premier League and 2022/23 CAF Champions League matches. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SIMBA SC

The game will be played at Uhuru Stadium, with the hosts lately positioned second in the 2022/23 NBC Premier League while the visitors are sitting ninth in the Championship League.

The Msimbazi Reds defeated Vipers SC 1-0 at St. Mary's Stadium-Kitende on Saturday to clinch their first three points in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League Group C, courtesy of a first-half goal netted by center-back, Henock Inonga.

Having dispatched Eagles FC and Coastal Union during the previous rounds of the ASFC, Simba SC head coach Robert Oliveira's men will be confident of progressing against African Sports who are in the second tier of the Tanzania football pyramid.

Simba SC could choose to rest several first-team starters for this game. Kennedy Juma, Jonas Mkude, Erasto Nyoni, Peter Banda, and Habib Kyombo could all start here.

Speaking ahead of the game, Oliveira, alias ‘Robertinho’, emphasized the club's desire to lift this season's ASFC title.

The Brazilian coach also confirmed he will use the African Sports game to give playing time to fringe players.

The tactician revealed: "We have planned to ensure that we win against African Sports. Simba SC is a big team, we need to win every competition title we participate in, that's the objective for us." 

Oliveira added: "We are looking at using players who have not played a major role in the team as we have a return game against Vipers SC... we are focusing on both games." 

Meanwhile, African Sports reached the last 16 thanks to two penalty shootout victories against Second League and Regional Champions League sides.

Moreover, it is worth noting that the Tanga side has endured a below-par season up to now – meaning it remains in danger of facing relegation.

The visitors make the trip to Uhuru Stadium on the back of a 1-1 draw away to Arusha's Mbuni FC in the Championship League last weekend.

Away form has been poor and African Sports have recorded just three draws from their 10 most recent fixtures on the road.

African Sports will bank on the young shoulders of Azam FC academy product, Ashraf Malolo.

The teenage attacking midfielder will be tasked with the crucial role of opening up the Simba SC defense as African Sports chase to pull a major upset to progress to the quarterfinals.

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