As Simba SC prepares to step onto the pitch in Casablanca tonight, for the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, one truth looms large: they cannot afford to concede cheap goals if they are to stand any chance of lifting their maiden continental title when the battle concludes in Zanzibar.
The Tanzanian giants have shown commendable resolve in reaching this historic stage, navigating a demanding campaign with grit and resilience.
Yet as the stakes increase, the margin for error continues to narrow.
In recent seasons, Simba’s Achilles heel on the continental stage has too often been defensive lapses — moments of lost concentration, poor marking, or casual passing in dangerous areas.
Such errors are punished without mercy against North African sides, especially in Casablanca’s intense atmosphere.
The Rabat-based hosts will look to seize the psychological advantage early, capitalising on their familiarity with high-pressure finals and their intimidating home support.
Simba, therefore, must approach this leg with tactical discipline and mental fortitude. This is not the time for generosity at the back.
Every goal conceded in Casablanca is a burden to be carried back across the continent — one that could weigh heavily at the return leg in Zanzibar.
It is there, on Tanzanian soil, where Simba must hope to tilt the balance. But they can only do so if they return with the tie still within reach.
Conceding soft goals in the away leg would squander the unique opportunity that awaits in the return fixture.
Simba’s pacey, skilful attack can trouble any defence—but it will count for little unless built on a solid foundation, starting with a disciplined and determined team defensive display.
This is not merely a test of footballing ability—it is a test of character. Simba SC must demonstrate lessons learned from past campaigns—balancing physicality with composure, and matching their ambition with a clear sense of responsibility.
Zanzibar can be the stage for celebration, but only if Casablanca is approached with caution and conviction. The margins are fine, and the message is clear: no cheap goals. Not now. Not at this level.
Only then can Simba give themselves a fighting chance — and allow Tanzanian football to dream of continental glory.
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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.
The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.
“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management. Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Africa CDC has recently supported efforts to enhance the diagnostic and sequencing capacity of public health laboratories in Tanzania. PCR Test kits and genomic sequencing reagents have been dispatched, with additional supplies in the pipeline. To ensure rapid identification and confirmation of cases, the institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen detection and genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen. Additionally, support will be provided to improve case management protocols and enhance the capacity to deliver safe and effective treatment.
Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania, regional partners, international organizations, and global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, to stop the spread of the Marburg virus.
Source: allafrica.com
