Simba head coach Steve Barker has urged Simba supporters to remain united, while promising that his squad will continue to fight in order to finish the CAF Champions League campaign with pride and perform well in other competitions.
Earlier this week, Barker watched his side surrender a two-goal first-half lead and settle for a 2-2 draw against Tunisia’s Esperance, a result that officially ended Simba’s hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Barker explained that his team executed their game plan well in the first half, but a lack of concentration and the pressure of the match proved costly in the second half, allowing the opponents to score twice.
"Conceding two goals and failing to win from the position we were in is very painful, especially because the players worked extremely hard in the first half,"
"We will continue to work hard, fight for the Simba badge, and ensure the team keeps growing and improving. I understand how our fans are feeling, but this is a transition period, and I want to assure them that good and happy times are coming — it is only a matter of time," said Barker.
Simba now have two remaining matches in the group stage, starting with an away fixture against Petro Atletico in Angola, before concluding their continental campaign at home against group leaders Stade Malien.
The match against Petro Atletico is scheduled to be played on Saturday, February 7, in Angola, after which Simba will return to Dar es Salaam to face Stade Malien on February 14.
