Simba have played in the group stage of the competition twice in the past but have never progressed, and they now have a chance to make history but they will have to achieve the feat without home support after Caf banned fans from attending the match owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
Simba media officer Haji Manara confirmed on Saturday they had received a communication from Caf not to allow fans into the match venue.
“As we continue preparations for the game against Al Merrikh, we have received a communication from Caf via [Tanzania Football Federation] that fans will not be allowed into the stadium,” Manara told reporters.