Che Malone Returns To Help Simba Pip Stellenbosch Into Cafcc Final

Che Malone Fondoh Jnr made his comeback yesterday and played the final minutes to ensure Simba SC that have compatriot Leonel Ateba reach the CAF Confederation Cup final after a goalless tie to secure a 1-0 win against Stellenbosch FC.

Simba had carried a narrow 1-0 advantage into the semifinal second leg after their hard-fought win on April 20 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, courtesy of Jean Charles Ahouas first-half strike.

A draw or a win was enough to send the Tanzanian giants to their first Confederation Cup final since 1993, ending a 32-year wait. Stellenbosch had earlier made headlines in the quarter-finals by stunning Egyptian giants Zamalek 1-0 in Cairo after a goalless first leg at home, marking one of the biggest victories in the clubs young history.

The South Africans started brightly, relying heavily on long throw-ins. In the 4th minute, a throw-in from Basadien was punched away by Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara.

Simba responded with an attack in the 11th minute, when Kibu Denis appeared to be brought down in the box by defender Butsaka. Referee Mohamed Maarouf from Egypt initially awarded a penalty, but after a VAR review, reversed his decision, ruling no foul.