Fadlu Davids' Simba SC secured a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup clash on Sunday afternoon.
CAF Confederation
Result: Simba 1-0 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 20 April 2025
Venue: Amaan Stadium
Oscarine Masuluke kept his place between the sticks as Sage Stephens was named on the bench, while Lesiba Nku came into the attack as Ashley Cupido missed out through injury.
The clash saw Stellies make their first appearance in the final four, while two South African coaches were also going up against each other.
The clash got off to a slow start as the game's first opening only arrived on 17 minutes, with Shomari Kapombe firing over the crossbar after being picked out by Kibu Denis.
Masuluke, who kept a clean sheet against AmaZulu on Tuesday, came to Stellenbosch's rescue after 30 minutes by pulling off a great save, just minutes after Moussa Camara denied the visitors at the other end by keeping out Devin Titus' header.
However, Simba got their reward on the stroke of halftime through Jean Ahoua, who found the back of the net via a free-kick that evaded everyone and sailed into the back of the net.
The visitors had a chance to pull themselves five minutes after the halftime break when Titus did well to pick De Jong in the box, however the New Zealand striker sent his effort wide of the mark.
Coach Steve Barker responded with a double change on the hour mark, with Enyinnaya Godswill and Nku making way for Athenkosi Mcaba and Khomotjo Lekoloane as they went in search of an away goal.
However, the South African outfit were unable to find a way back into the contest despite throwing bodies forward and will now head back home a goal behind.
Here's how they lined up:
Simba: Chamou, Ngoma, Ahoua, Mukwala, Kapombe, Hamza, Hussien, Kagoma, Mpanzu, Kibu, Camara
Stellenbosch: Masuluke, Toure, Moloisane, Basadien, Enyinnaya, Nduli, Khiba, Jabaar, De Jong, Titus, Nku
Subs: Stephens, Mdaka, Mcaba, Onyango, Palace, Barns, Abrahams, Lekoloane, Phili
