Controversial goal hands ex-Orlando Pirates coach's Simba SC win over Stellenbosch FC in Caf Confederation Cup semi-final showdown to carry first-leg advantage

Simba SC managed to pick up a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch in a Caf Confederation Cup semi-final first-leg encounter in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday.

After starting strongly, Stellenbosch conceded late in the first half and were unable to change the scoreline in the second half.

Meanwhile, a very open chance for Simba to get an opener came in the 17th minute, but Shomari Kapombe was not clinical with it. Although he was largely unmarked, the experienced right-back sent his effort wide to his own surprise as well as his teammates.

Fawaaz Basadien forced Simba goalkeeper Moussa Camara to make a close-range save in the 18th minute. The Kaizer Chiefs transfer target tried to find the top corner, but his header was tipped over by Camara, whose quick reaction saved the home side.

A minute after the half-hour mark, Oscarine Masuluke made a good reading of the game and dove to his right to stop a dangerous low shot by Yusuph Kigoma.

Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Fadlu Davids' Wekundu wa Msimbazi finally broke the deadlock in the second minute of added time of the first half when Jean Ahoua slotted past Masuluke and the goal was controversially allowed after a VAR review following calls for offside. Ahoua precisely timed a low free kick delivered by Steven Mukwala and managed to slot it home through a congested 12-yard box.

The Simba camp was hit by anxiety as the goal was subjected to a VAR analysis, but they breathed a sigh of relief when the referee judged that the goal should stand.

Kibu Dennis, Elie Mpanzu, and Hussein Mohamed had late chances, but they could not find the back of the net.

Ahoua scored the vital goal that sees Simba carry the first-leg advantage to the next match.

Apart from the goal, he was a standout player in midfield for the Tanzanian giants.

Thabo Moloisane stood tall and thwarted several dangerous moves by Simba. His presence in the defence ensured that Stellies did not concede more.

Without him, the scoreline would have probably read differently and in favour of Simba. Moloisane and his teammates will be disappointed after failing to keep a clean sheet.

The Confederation Cup semi-finalists will clash again on April 27.

Stellies will host Simba at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.