At the fully packed Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Al Ahly secured a great win in the first leg of the CAF Champions League against Simba SC by beating the home side 1-0.
This is the stage where the big boys always prove their prowess. They show that they have the mentality and the capabilities to win anywhere.
Heading into the game, Al Ahly had never beaten Simba in Tanzania but was determined even without star men Dieng, El Shenaawy and Emam Ashour to win.
The Red Devils got off to a wonderful start with the 22-year-old Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Kouka scoring to give the away side a lead in the 4th minute.
Simba SC have to blame themselves for not at least getting a draw as they squandered clear chances with Kibu, Onana and Miquissone all coming close to scoring.
The game was all Simba as the stats suggest. 62% to 38% possession in favour of Simba SC. The Tanzanians had 19 goal attempts to Al Ahly’s 5. Al Ahly’s only shot on target resulted in a goal while Simba’s 7 didn’t yield any results.
Abdelhak Benchikha was extremely disappointed as his side had all the chances but could not punish the Red Devils.
The second leg is on next Friday with Simba hoping that they will send their scoring boots to Cairo.