Lionel Ateba Set for Debut with Simba Against Al Hilal

Simba‘s new signing, Lionel Ateba, is poised to make his debut for the team in a friendly match against Al Hilal this Saturday at the KMC Stadium. This match is part of the club’s preparations for the upcoming CAF Confederations Cup campaign.

Al Hilal, a football club from Sudan, is currently competing in the Mauritanian Premier League due to political unrest in their home country. They recently participated in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup tournament but were eliminated in the semifinals.

Ateba, the Cameroonian striker, had been waiting for his work permit and registration before joining the squad. During this time, he continued training with the team. He has previously played for prominent clubs in Cameroon and represented his nation at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, although he did not play in that tournament.

The striker’s versatility allows him to play primarily as a center forward and also on the left wing or as a second striker. His time at USM Alger saw him make a significant impact, contributing with three goals and five assists across various competitions, including the Algerian Ligue 1 and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Ahmed Ally, the Media and Information Manager for Simba, confirmed Ateba’s participation in the friendly match against Al Hilal, emphasizing the team’s preparations and the importance of gaining continental experience before their upcoming match against Al Ahly Tripoli.

Ateba’s debut this weekend is highly anticipated, as he has been training diligently with the squad. Ticket prices for the match are set at Tsh. 10,000 for regular seats and Tsh. 20,000 for VIP, reflecting the high quality of the upcoming match, according to Ally.

Simba’s preparations for the match are in full swing, with the entire squad available except for Joshua Mutale and Ayoub Lakred, who are currently sidelined by injuries. The club is gearing up for the CAF Confederations Cup qualifiers, which will see them face Al Ahly Tripoli shortly.

Al Ahly Tripoli has previously visited Tanzania for a match against Biashara United. However, Biashara United was disqualified by CAF after failing to travel for a return leg match in Benghazi, leading to Al Ahly Tripoli’s advancement.

Simba received a bye to the final group stage qualification round due to a strong coefficient, while Al Ahly Tripoli secured their spot by defeating Zanzibar’s Uhamiaji with a 5-1 aggregate score. The first leg of their tie will take place in Benghazi on September 13, with the return leg scheduled for September 20 in Dar es Salaam.

Coach Fadlu Davids’ team missed the CAF Champions League this season after finishing third in the prior campaign. This year marks Simba’s return to the CAF Confederation Cup after a quarter-final exit during the 2021/2022 season against Orlando Pirates.

Given their historical participation in the CAF Champions League, Simba’s involvement in the Confederation Cup gives them a platform to aim for significant advancement, potentially reaching the semifinals or beyond. The current season features a highly competitive field, with many teams traditionally in the CAF Champions League, including Zamalek, RS Berkane, ASEC Mimosas, AS Vita, and USMA.

The winner of the two-legged tie between Al Ahly Tripoli and Simba will secure their place in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, joining 15 other teams from across Africa.