Uganda Cranes forward Steven Mukwala is on the brink of making history with Tanzanian giants Simba SC, after the club secured a place in the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup final.
Simba SC earned their ticket to the final following a hard-fought semifinal clash against South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC.
The Msimbazi Reds claimed a crucial 1-0 victory in the first leg held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam last week, before digging deep to secure a goalless draw in the return leg at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Sunday evening.
The result saw Simba advance 1-0 on aggregate, setting up a historic showdown in the Confederation Cup final — their first-ever appearance at this stage of the competition.
Just like in the first leg in Dar es Salaam, where he played 85 minutes, Mukwala started the second leg in Stellenbosch and featured for 53 minutes before being substituted for Leonel Ateba.
His work rate and presence upfront helped Simba control the early proceedings of the game, frustrating the hosts who were desperate to overturn the first-leg deficit.
Simba SC will now play RS Berkane of Morocco who eliminated Algeria’s CS Constantine in a North vs East Africa final.
For Mukwala, this final is a major personal milestone. Since joining Simba SC, the Ugandan striker has grown in stature and will now get the opportunity to compete for one of Africa’s most prestigious club trophies.
It also adds another feather to his cap following a promising season especially domestically.
Simba’s journey to the final has been built on resilience, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing — traits that were once again on display against Stellenbosch.
The Tanzanian side will be aiming to cap their historic campaign by lifting the CAF Confederation Cup trophy and stamping their mark among Africa’s elite.
Berkane will host the first leg of the final on May 17 before the return leg in Tanzania on May 25.
Simba SC’s Road to the Final:
- Quarterfinals: Defeated Egyptian side Al Masry
- Semifinals: Beat Stellenbosch FC 1-0 on aggregate
- Final: RS Berkane
It’s a moment of pride not just for Simba SC and their fans, but also for Ugandan football, as Mukwala continues to fly the flag high on the continental stage.
