Simba SC and Al Ahly played to an exhilarating 2-2 draw, marking the inaugural African Football League (AFL) with an exciting fixture In a thrilling clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Simba, after initially falling behind, managed to turn the game around to lead 2-1 with two quick goals in the second half.
However, their aspirations of defeating the Red Devils from Cairo once again were dashed as Al Ahly secured a hard-earned draw in the first leg of the quarter-final. This outcome implies that Simba must now secure a victory in Cairo next Tuesday to advance to the semi-finals. Alternatively, a draw with three or more goals will be sufficient to see them through to the last four.
The match began rather cautiously, with both teams failing to create many scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, Al Ahly ended the first half with a one-goal lead.
Just before halftime, Reda Slim found the back of the net as he latched onto a through ball from Kahraba, skillfully sliding it past the goalkeeper. Slim had been a constant threat and managed to capitalize on his best opportunity.
Simba, on the other hand, had struggled to generate clear-cut chances in the first half. Their best opportunity came from a Clatous Chama free-kick that curled beyond the wall but landed comfortably in the hands of Mohamed El Shanawy.
The second half saw Simba make a dynamic start, thanks to the changes they implemented. Kanoute and Jean Baleke replaced Luis Miquissone and Mzamiru Yassin, and their impact was almost immediate.
Just seven minutes into the second half, Kibu dived to head in from close range after Chama delivered a well-placed cross from the back post.
Eight minutes later, the stadium erupted with joy as Simba took the lead. Substitute Kanoute expertly glanced in a header from the near post following a corner.
However, a lapse in marking from a set piece at the back cost them dearly. Off a Magdy Afsha delivery from a free-kick, substitute Marawan Attia directed the ball across the goal, and keeper Salim pushed it into Kahraba’s path. Kahraba duly tapped the ball into the net to equalize.
Regardless of the levelling goal, Simba remained determined and continued to press for a potential third goal. They came close to regaining the lead with fifteen minutes left to play, but Saido Ntibazonkiza’s shot from the edge of the box struck the crossbar.
Simba put on their best efforts to boost the attack but could not find a third goal. Now, they are headed for the return leg in Cairo next weekend, needing either a clear-cut win or a high-scoring draw of more than two goals to progress in the tournament.
