Stellenbosch lost their first leg semi-final match of the CAF Confederation Cup 1-0 against Simba at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday afternoon.

The 23-year-old Ivorian attacker Jean Ahoua scored the only goal of the match for Fadlu Davids’ side this afternoon.

Both Stellies and Simba came to this game very strong as they were outstanding in the first 10 minutes, and the home side almost got a goal, but the visitors were not sitting at the back.

Stellies dropped their tempo after 10 minutes as only Simba was in control of the game, creating many chances but failing to score a goal with their chances.

The visitors regained their tempo after 25 minutes, searching for the first goal, and they almost opened the scoring in the 27th minute, but unfortunately, Devin Titus’ header was denied by the goalkeeper Moussa Camara.

Three minutes after Titus’ chance, Oscarine Masuluke made a great save to deny the home side an opportunity to open the scoring

Simba got a free-kick in the 39th minute, but Masuluke made another great save, making sure that the home side didn’t capitalize.

The 2020/21 Tanzanian Premier League champions got another free-kick after 45 minutes, and fortunately, Jean Ahoua scored a great goal from that free-kick.

There was a thought that there was an offside, and referee Ngambo Ndala was called to review the game on the pitchside monitor, but he stood by his original decision.

In the second half, both Stellies and Simba came back very strong as they almost got the opening goals in the first 10 minutes.

The 2023 Carling Knockout champions made their first substitution in the 57th minute, resting Kazie Enyinnaya and Lesiba Nku for Athenkosi Mcaba and Khomotjo Lekoloane respectively.

In the 70th minute, Thabo Moloisane delivered a great cross, but unfortunately, Lekoloane fouled the goalkeeper instead of kicking the ball.

Stellies tried to equalize as they were creating many chances, but failed to capitalize on their chances. Even the home side had many chances but didn’t score to increase the lead during the second half.

Steve Barker’s side still has another chance to fix their mistakes, as they will face the Tanzanian giant in the second leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium next Sunday.

The winner between Stellies and Simba will reach the final of the Confederation Cup and will face the winner between RS Berkane and CS Constantine.