Uganda Cranes striker Steven Mukwala performed a starring position as Simba SC produced a surprising comeback to succeed in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC), edging out Egyptian facet Al Masry on penalties.
Simba got here into the second leg trailing 2-0 after objectives from Abderrahim Deghmoum and John Okoye Ebuka had given Al Masry the higher hand within the first leg on the Suez Stadium. Mukwala was solely a late substitute in that sport, that includes for the ultimate ten minutes. However within the decisive return leg on the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania, the Ugandan ahead was entrance and heart, taking part in the complete 90 minutes and delivering when it mattered most.
With Simba needing a flawless efficiency, Elie Mpanzu gave the hosts early hope with a Twenty second-minute opener. Simply eight minutes later, Mukwala struck decisively, slotting residence the second aim to stage the combination rating at 2-2, sending the house crowd right into a frenzy.
With no additional objectives in common time, the tie was determined by a tense penalty shootout. Mukwala remained composed underneath strain and efficiently transformed his spot kick, joined by teammates Jean Ahoua, Denis Kibu, and Shomari Kapombe. Simba triumphed 4-1 within the shootout, with Al Masry faltering—solely Ben Yousef transformed his penalty, whereas Mido Gaber and Mahmood Hamada failed to seek out the online.
The outcome ends Al Masry’s ambitions of a return to the CAFCC semi-finals, a stage they final reached in 2018. For Simba, it marks a outstanding turnaround and a serious achievement, propelling them into the final 4, the place they’ll now face South Africa’s Stellenbosch, who eradicated Zamalek in their very own dramatic quarter-final.
Mukwala’s impression, each in open play and from the penalty spot, highlighted his rising affect at Simba and his significance on the continental stage.
