Defending champions Al Ahli beat Tanzanian side Simba 2-0 on Friday night to book their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Champions League.
The Egyptian giants reached the semi-finals thanks to goals from Omar Surayah and Mahmoud Hahlaba at the Cairo International Stadium. Al Ahli will now face the winner between TP Mazembe and Petro de Luanda in the semi-finals as they look to defend their title.
The Cairo side showed dominance from the start, looking for early breakthroughs and troubling their opponents. In the 11th minute, French striker Anthony Modest threatened the Simba defense but his header was just wide.
Modeste almost scored again in the 22nd minute, but the referee disallowed the goal because teammate Shahat was offside and Shahat provided an assist. Although Simba tried to push forward and create chances, they were thwarted by Al Ahli goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubieh, who made the decisive save in the 33rd minute to protect his side’s victory. The goal was intact.
At the end of the first half, both teams tied and a fierce battle began. However, Al Ahli broke the deadlock early in the second half when Omar Suraya took a chance in the 47th minute and fired a powerful shot past Simba’s Moroccan goalkeeper Ayoub Laclid. The team is leading 1-0 at this time.
Simba increased their attack and tried to equalize but to no avail. At the same time, Al Ahli continued to attack aggressively with the aim of increasing the lead.
Shahat was booked in the penalty area during the break and Al Ahli won the penalty. Mahmud Kahraba took the free kick and coolly took it 90.+6. minute to give Al Ahly a 2-0 win over Simba SC.
