CAF Confederations Cup: Malone, Ateba reach quarter-final with Simba SC.

The Indomitable Lions duo and their Tanzanian club advanced to the next round of the second CAF competition on Sunday January 12 with a game to spare. 

Their progression was confirmed after they played a 1-1 draw against Bravos do Maquis at the 11 de Novembro Stadium in Angola. This was during the penultimate group clash of group A. 

The Cameroonian internationals were handed starting role with Malone part of a resilient four-man defence with skipper Mohamed Husseini, Abdulrazack Hamza and Shomari Kapombe. 

Ateba on his part was tasked with putting defenders on the toes and formed a formidable pair with Denis Kibu. 

Despite their resolve to grab maximum points, Simba SC quickly fell behind. 

The hosts took a 13th-minute lead through Mosiatlhage Keoikantse Abednego after Simba’s defence had gone to sleep. 

Bravo do Maquis were on course for a vital win but their hope was crushed when Leonel Ateba levelled matters after in the second half for a share of the spoils on 69 minutes. 

Speaking after the game, Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids said, “I thank the team for the hard work and we continue to work hard because we have another last match of the group.”

Cameroon defender, Che Malone on his part apologized to fans for his defensive flaws during the game. 

In a brief message on his official X account, formerly Twitter, Malone said: "I wish to apologize to the entire Simba family for costing them greatly in two game days. I take full responsibility for my mistake and promise to work harder in order to do better in the days ahead". 

The draw sends Simba SC to the quarter-final stage with 10 points, while table leaders CS Constantine who beat CS Sfaxien 2-0 lead with 12 points.

Simba SC who beat Bravos do Maquis in Dar es Salaam and now secured another draw in Angola will now wait to host table leaders CS Constantine on January 19th, 2025 in Dar es Salaam. 

They join five other teams who have booked their spots for the quarter-finals. The others are; RS Berkane of Morocco, Stellenbosch of South Africa, and Zamalek of Egypt, and Algerian duo USM Alger an CS Constantine. 

Malone and Ateba have played an important role in Simba's qualification to the knockout stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. 

While Malone, 25, has played in all five games for the club with an average of 85 minutes per game, Ateba has started in four of five matches with 63 minute per game, one goal and one assist. 

It is important to note that last season Simba SC were knocked out in the quarter-final of the CAF Champions League to eventual winners, Al Ahly. 

They are on the hunt for the title this year although they are competing in the CAF second tier competition.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3339 of Wednesday January 15, 2025