Simba Sports Club qualified to the next round of the CAF Tournament a courtesy of Emmanuel Okwi's injury time stunner, that gave them an away goal and was enough to send them through!
Mjfotty had the chance to interview Emmanuel Okwi after the game, and this is what he had to say:
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| Emmanuel Okwi (Right) with Team Captain Juma Kaseja in Algeria |
Mjfooty: You have been playing for Simba for quite long now, how special/important was this game for you?
Okwi: This game was really important to us because I believe it was time for us to qualify for the group stages after a very long time, and this was our chance to do so.
Mjfooty: Arabian teams have always been tough opponents for Tanzanian clubs. Is there any reason or is there a jinx that you finally managed to break?
Okwi: I think its because they are more organized than Tanzanian teams and they are financially better.
Mjfooty: Having won in the first leg, you all seemed to be favorites to go through. Was there a different approach to this game than the first leg?
Okwi: Yes! Our opponents had an attack attack motion from the start which was different from the way they played in Dar es Salaam. The early red card somehow affected our plans as well and the weather was too hostile.
Mjfooty: Juma Nyosso's sending off was a massive blow for the team. How did you guys cope up with that and especially the goal that they scored before half time
Okwi: It was very difficult from then on, but I thank my team mates for the never say die attitude that they showed today.
Mjfooty: What did the manager say to you all in half time? Did he change his tactics?
Okwi: He just told us to keep possession, keep tight and not let in other goals.
Mjfooty: What did it feel like when Setif scored two goals in quick succession in the second half. Did you think its was all over?
Okwi: For a second I really thought it was all over, but then I said to myself all we need is one chance. I asked God for it and He gave it to me.
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| In Action (Previous Games) |
Mjfooty: You were marked very closely today, and were seen to be taking shots from long range. Was that an instruction from the coach or your personal approach?
Okwi: It was a personal approach. Setif didn't give us any chances of getting close to their goal, so I decided to start shooting from far.
Mjfooty: As soon as it said 5 minutes added time, what was the first thing that went through your mind?
Okwi: I thought we needed to create a chance and score one goal which would be enough to sail us through.
Mjfooty: The goal was sensational. Was there a technique applied or was it just luck?
Okwi: Well, it was a combination of both; technique and luck.. I believe sometimes you need luck to score classic goals.
Mjfooty: Were you shocked when it went it? Because it took your team mates long to come over and celebrate?
Okwi: It really took everyone by surprise, including myself.; but it was a special one for the team.
Mjfooty: Your goal takes Simba through to the next round, which makes it even more special. Is that the best goal you have ever scored?
Okwi: Well, It should be one of my best goals but I would rank it as my second best goal.
Mjfooty: Lastly Okwi, is there any message you wish to convey to the fans of Simba Sc and those who came to the ground to support the team?
Okwi: I want to take this opportunity to thank all our fans, Tanzanians at large for their prayers and support, especially those who came to the ground. May God Bless them All.
Mjfooty: Thank you for your time Okwi!
Congratulations Once Again and Have a safe flight back to Dar!
Okwi: My pleasure Mj! Thanks :)
Highlights Of The Game:
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