The Cairo giants advanced to the semis for the 20th time in the club's history, and the fifth consecutive time, after a 2-0 triumph over Simba at Cairo International Stadium.

The reigning champions Ahly entered the game with an advantage over Simba, having secured a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg in Tanzania last week.

“I am happy with the qualification and dominating the game. My players did all I wanted,” the Swiss coach said in the press conference after the game.

In both games against Simba, Ahly’s performance came under fire especially as the team struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first half of Friday’s game. 

Nonetheless, the coach defended his team's playing style.

“We overcame difficult circumstances in the first leg in Tanzania and we played with this style for the first time. We scored three goals in both games and we qualified,” the Ahly coach explained.

“Which is better for the fans? Playing with this style and achieving our target or delivering exciting football but receiving goals at the same time?

“I always choose the appropriate playing style for every opponent. I did that against Simba and we achieved our target,” he concluded.

Ahly now will await the winner between Petro Atletico and TP Mazembe to face off in the semis of the prestigious continental tournament.

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