Mazembe, Simba to battle for semifinal berth

TP Mazembe will play host to Simba SC in a Caf Champions League quarterfinal second-leg clash at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 15h00 CAT (GMT +2).

The two club's played to a goalless draw in the first-leg at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam last weekend, in a match where both teams conjured several chances to gain an advantage heading into the reverse fixture.

The woodwork came to either teams rescue throughout the match in Tanzania while John Bocco missed a second-half penalty for the hosts.

The result leaves the game in the balance heading into the second-leg in Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ravens head coach Mihayo Kazembe is mindful of the fact that a goal for Simba at Stade TP Mazembe, could make for a nervy afternoon for the hosts.

"It was a tough game for both teams. We had our chances just like them but neither of us used the minimal opportunities created," Kazembe said following the match in Dar es Salaam.

"Both teams have a chance in Lubumbashi, we will need to play with caution to make sure we don't concede a goal."

Moreover, Simba boss Patrick Aussems was pleased with the Tanzanian champions showing in the first-leg, against a side he described as one of the best on the African continent. TP Mazembe are five-time Caf Champions League winners.

"As you saw, we missed a couple of scoring chances in both halves of the game hitting the post and missing the penalty," said Aussems.

"We gave them trouble and by doing that, we have shown that we can compete with any team in Africa bearing in mind that TP Mazembe is one of the biggest club's in the continent."

The aggregate winner will face either CS Constantine (Algeria) or defending champions Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) for a place in this year's final.