Tanzania's Simba can pose threat to Ahly in AFL: Club board member

Mahmoud Elassal , Sunday 22 Oct 2023

Tanzanian Simba board member Rafael Chaigini expressed confidence on Sunday that his team has the ability to turn the tables on Ahly in the second leg game of the African Football League (AFL) quarterfinals.

Simba SC s winger Saidi Ntibazonkiza fights for the ball with Al Ahly s centre-back Yasser Ibrahim during the inaugural game of the African Football League (AFL) between Simba of Tanzania and Al Ahly of Egypt at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, on October 20, 2023. AFP

"Simba is an unexpected team and they have the potential to reverse the situation at any time," Chaigini stated during an interview on an Egyptian TV sports programme.

In the first leg of the quarterfinals, Ahly was held to an enthralling 2-2 draw by Tanzania's Simba at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Friday.

"We played a strong game against Ahly in the first leg and faced a challenge from the African champions. However, we delivered a brilliant performance and played one of our best games," Chaigini added.

The second leg between the two teams will be hosted by the Red Devils at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.

If Ahly advances to the semifinals, they will face the winner of the match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Petro Atletico.

"In football, anything is possible. I remain optimistic that we will deliver a good performance as we hold Ahly in high regard. However, Simba is also a well-respected team, and nothing is impossible," emphasized the Tanzanian club official.

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