Israel Saria
Mainland premiership soccer champions Simba enjoy a well accomplished victory over Zimbabwean side Lengthens as they keep on track for the CAF Confederations Cup round of last 16.
The 5-1 goal aggregate that looks an overkill to sail through the second round hurdle is most unlikely to be repeated in the subsequent stages of the tourney.
With Egyptian opponents stepping close to their doorsteps, it’s time for Simba to layout strategies should they need to cruise into the quarter-final (last eight) stages.
Egyptians are well known for their high quality soccer display, thus Simba must shuffle their cards right to keep them at bay.
Most of the Egyptian teams know Simba’s stubbornness when it comes to participation into the continental club tourneys.
It ranges from National Al-Ahly, Ismailia, Zamalek, Arab Contractors and Ghazil Mehala-el Kubra in the early 70s.
None of the above teams managed to post a win away to Simba during their meet either in Champions League or Confederations’ Cup.
However, this should not be a yardstick for Simba to entertain complacency at this stage as the past is subject to changes.
No wonder Egyptian Harras Al Hadoud that meet Simba in three weeks time would be eager to exhibit their prowess with an away win before flying back home to conclude their mission with profound ease.
Actually time is running out fast than Simba can realise as the clash against the Egyptian side will be around the corner.
Al Hadoud know what it takes to sail through the last eight courtesy of quality football, resources and technical know how.
Simba’s Zambian coach, who has been all smiles ever since he joined the team in January 2009, has a tough workload to undertake to make his presence felt by fans, players and the entire soccer fraternity in the country.
The pre-mature premiership title haul must be backed by excellence at international stage, and this is what makes a good coach respectable.
The Arabs from Egypt knows how best to intimidate their visitors when it comes to hosting them at their home turf.
It just happens that Egyptian sides frequently make full use of home ground advantage when it comes to continental ties.
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