Simba SC battled to a goalless draw against Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday to book their place in the final of the 24/25 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
The Tanzanian giants advanced 1-0 on aggregate following their first-leg victory in Zanzibar, with a disciplined defensive display proving enough to keep the South Africans at bay in Durban.
Needing a win to overturn the deficit, Stellenbosch threw everything forward but could not find a way past an inspired Simba defence and goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who stood tall throughout a tense encounter.
Stellenbosch came closest in the closing stages, with Fawaaz Basadien and Ismaël Touré both missing opportunities late in the game.
Devin Titus and Sanele Barns also saw efforts narrowly miss the target as the hosts desperately searched for a breakthrough.
Earlier, Stellenbosch thought they had taken the lead midway through the second half when Genino Palace found the back of the net, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside, dealing a heavy blow to Steve Barker’s side.
Simba, coached by Fadlu Davids, executed a near-perfect tactical plan, frustrating the South Africans and slowing down the game whenever necessary.
They survived a number of scares in the final 10 minutes, including two late corners, but showed impressive composure to see out the result.
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Simba make first continental final in 32 years
The result continues Simba’s dream of a first continental title since 1993 when they reached the final of the old CAF Cup, only to finish runners-up.
For Stellenbosch, it marks the end of a historic Confederation Cup campaign, their maiden voyage into continental football, which saw them reach the last four against all expectations.
Simba will take confidence from their solid defensive resilience and will now shift focus to preparing for the final, where they hope to complete a memorable journey with silverware.
Tanzanian President hails Simba
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan hailed the team after they became the second club from the country in three seasons to reach the CAF Confederation Cup final.
“Heartiest congratulations to Simba for winning the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, and making history by reaching the final of this competition,” said President Hassan.
“You have brought great honour to our country. I wish you all the best. You have my support at all times,” she added in a message to a team coached by South African Fadlu Davids.
Simba have reached one previous African final, losing to Stella Abidjan of the Ivory Coast in the 1993 final of the now defunct CAF Cup.
They are following in the footsteps of arch domestic rivals Young Africans, who lost the 2023 Confederation Cup final to USM Alger of Algeria on away goals following a 2-2 draw.
This will be the fifth final appearance by Berkane in the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.
Berkane surrendered an 11-match unbeaten record since the start of their African campaign by losing 1-0 at CS Constantine of Algeria, but progressed 4-1 on aggregate.
Two-time Confederation Cup winners Berkane will host the first leg on May 17 with the return match eight days later in Dar es Salaam.
The Orange Boys beat Pyramids of Egypt and Orlando Pirates of South Africa in the 2020 and 2022 title deciders, and lost to Egyptian side Zamalek in 2019 and 2024.
