David Flower
Dailysports's expert
Simba SC
Stellenbosch
The first semifinal match of the CAF Confederation Cup will be played on Sunday in Dar es Salaam, where the local club Simba will host Stellenbosch. I suggest betting on goals in this match with good chances of success.
Match preview
The Tanzanian club, Simba, finished the group stage in first place, ahead of Constantine by one point. In six matches, the team achieved four victories and lost only once – away with a score of 1-2 to Constantine. However, Simba convincingly avenged this in the sixth round at home, defeating Constantine 2-0. This allowed them to overtake their opponent in the standings.
In the quarterfinal stage, Simba faced Egypt's Al-Masry and lost the first leg away with no chance, 0-2. At the time, it seemed that the fate of the ticket had already been decided. However, Simba managed to win at home with an identical score and then defeated their opponent in the penalty shootout.
On the other hand, Stellenbosch performed much weaker in the group stage than their opponent. In six matches, the 'Stellies' secured three victories but also lost three encounters. As a result, with nine points, the team finished in second place, trailing Berkane by seven points. Notably, in the last round, Berkane thrashed Stellenbosch at home with a score of 5-0.
However, in the quarterfinals, Stellenbosch managed to pleasantly surprise, especially considering the level of their opponent. The South African club knocked out last year's winner Zamalek. In the first home match, Stellenbosch couldn't unlock the opponent's defense – 0-0. However, in the return leg, the club snatched a victory with a minimal score, scoring the only goal in the 79th minute.
Probable lineups
- Simba: Kamara, Mohamed, Hamza, Karaboue, Kapombe, Mpanzu, Ngoma, Kagoma, Kibu, Ahoua, Mukwala
- Stellenbosch: Stephens, Basadien, Toure, Onyango, Jurgens, Habaaar, Palace, Adams, Langelihle, Cupido, Barnes
Match facts and head-to-head
- The teams have not played against each other in international tournaments before
- Simba has lost only one out of their last 15 matches, securing 11 victories in this period
- The bet on 'Total Over 2.5' has been successful in three of the last five matches
Prediction
Simba has already proven that they can achieve the necessary result at home. Currently, bookmakers see the hosts as favorites for the upcoming match, but overall, they believe in Stellenbosch's progression. The visitors know how to dry up games, and I think they would be content with a goalless draw. Our bet for the match is 'Total Under 2.0' with odds of 1.93.
