Simba SC host giants Al Ahly as African Football League kicks-off

The inuagural African Football League kicks off this evening with a quarter final tie between Simba SC and Al Ahly at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Although Simba SC defeated the Egyptian giants 1-0 in a CAF Champions League tie two years ago at the same Stadium, the match today is a different competition with a totally different vibe.

John Bocco, the Simba SC captain made it clear that although they respect Al Ahly, they know they need a good result in the first leg before traveling to Cairo. “It is not easy game, We will face a strong opponent but will be ready for it,” said the experienced Bocco.

Simba SC’s Brazillian coach Roberto ‘Robertinho’ Oliveira also made it clear that although Al Ahly is a good team with alot of history, his team is well prepared to get a positive result.

“We have the players who can do the work on the pitch. We have the confidence and believe in our team, ” added the Simba SC coach. Oliveira made it clear that they want to win every game as a team.

” This is a big moment not just for Simba but Tanzanian football as well. Our objective is to win and make a good performance as well,” he added.

Mohammed El Shenawy, the Al Ahly skipper said they are in Tanzania for serious business.

”We know it’s a new tournament, and Al Ahly aims to win every competition participates in, ” added the captain.

The Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller said this new tournament is great for Africa football because it’s giving players another platform to be competitive. ” We have a very difficult game against Simba because we know every team is always double motivated to play against Al Ahly, ” added coach of the 11-time African champions

In the other quarterfinal match, Angola’s Petro Atletico de Luanda will battle South African side Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

TP Mazembe who are not able to play in the Democratic Republic of Congo will host Esperance Tunis of Tunisia at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, while Nigeria’s Enyimba battle Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca the same day.