Tanzanian giants Simba SC will switch their attention back to the local Premier League as well as the CAF Champions League, hoping the lessons they picked from the inaugural edition of the African Football League can hoist them to more success.
Wekundu wa Msimbazi exited the competition after losing to Egyptian giants and 11-time African champions Al Ahly on the away goal rule, and head coach Roberto Oliveira said he was proud of his players.
Simba drew 1-1 with Ahly in Cairo, but it was the 2-2 result at home against the Red Devils at their backyard that proved detrimental to their chase for a semi-final slot.
“Our opponent is the biggest team in Africa and it was never easy. We played 2-2 at home and 1-1 away and for me that is not bad. Of course I am disappointed because my objective was to win and progress to the semi finals, but listen, the opponent we played was not an easy one,” the coach said.
He added; “I am very pleased with how we played especially in the second leg in Cairo. We did very well especially in midfield and we scored a goal which was a huge plus.”
With the adventure now over, Simba will immediately turn their attention to the local league, where a duel with Ihefu FC awaits on Saturday in Dar es Salaam.
“We picked a lot of positives from the two games. We showed that we are a good side and Simba is a good team in the Continent. Now we want to do more, do better and be back again next season. After playing those matches we feel more confident and more focused,” added the coach.
Simba will also be playing in the group stages of the Champions League, where their ambition is to make the semi-finals having lost on penalties in the quarters last season.
