CAFCL: Clean sheet for Joash Onyango as Simba down defending champions Wydad

FOOTBALL CAFCL: Clean sheet for Joash Onyango as Simba down defending champions Wydad

Festus Chuma 19:10 - 22.04.2023

Harambee Stars defender Joash Onyango clocked 90 minutes in the African Champions League clash.

Tanzanian giants, Simba SC pulled off a massive shock when they edged defending champions Wydad Casablanca 1-0 in a CAF Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday afternoon.

It was a tough fixture that Roberto Oliveira's men faced, and the head coach will certainly be pleased with the win against the North Africans.

https://twitter.com/SimbaSCTanzania/status/1649790016229462019?s=20

Wydad were forceful going forward in the opening exchanges and Hamid Ahadad had a big chance to give them the lead in the 10th minute after going through on goal from Jalal Daoudi’s pass, one-on-one with goalkeeper Ally Khatoro he scooped his shot over the crossbar. 

The game opened up after that but it took up until the 20th minute for a clear-cut opportunity, as Clatous Chama latched onto a flicked header by Joash Onyango in the six-yard box but his first-time strike was smothered by Youssef El Moite. 

Nine minutes later, DR Congo international Jean Baleke eventually opened the scoring with a close-range finish at the back post after a well-weighted cross by Denis Kibu Prosper.

While the Moroccans absorbed the pressure and struggled to get out of their half, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi created more openings, and they almost had a second goal in the 39th minute after Hocine Benayada cleared Sadio Kanoute's header off the line after goalkeeper El Motie could not collect a high ball.

Overall, it was a disappointing opening 45 minutes for Wydad who were only able to force one big save out of Simba goalkeeper Ally Khatoro, while Robertinno's men would have felt his side deserved more goals.

Wydad Casablanca had a bright start in the second stanza, as Zola Kaiku had a cracking strike from outside the box that needed strong hands from Khatoro.

The game opened up as Carlos Garrido's charges were threatening to get the equalizer after they brought in Abdellah Haimoud for Ayman El Hassouni in the battle to control the midfield.

Minutes later, the visitors could have restored parity , but Simba goalkeeper Khatoro was equal to the task, saving brilliantly to deny Haimoud from a free-kick.

Soon after, in a game that was swinging from end to end, Clatous Chama had a chance to extend the lead for the hosts, but again he hoofed his effort high and wide.

Wydad had a few chances to get back into the tie, but every time a real opportunity opened up for them, they met a defiant Khatoro in goal, who pulled off several good saves to deny the visitors.

Overall though Wydad dominated proceedings in large part of the second half but failed to pounce on their numerous chances as Simba managed to hold on for the famous win.