Steve Barker's Simba eliminated from Mapinduzi Cup | OneFootball

Barker's Simba dumped out of cup competition

Photo: Simba SC @ X

Steve Barker saw his Simba SC side get eliminated from the NMB Mapinduzi Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Azam FC at New Amaan Complex on Thursday night.

Florent Ibenge's men broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute as Lameck Lawi scored the decisive goal to send his team to the final of the regional tournament.

Having taken over in December, the former Stellenbosch mentor led the Tanzanian giants to a 1-0 victory over Muembe, before securing a 2-1 win over Fufuni FC to set up a meeting with Azam.

Ibenge's troops will now await the winner between Singida Black Stars and Tanzanian champions Young Africans on Friday.

Meanwhile, Barker and his charges will now shift their focus to the league, domestic cup competitions, and the CAF Champions League.

The South African tactician has been tasked with toppling fierce rivals Yanga in the league and to progress to the knockout stages of Africa's premier club competition.

Simba will return to action with a visit to Tunisian champions Esperance de Tunis on 23 January after the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.