Al Ahly wary of Simba as they arrive in Dar ahead of CAF Champions League quarters

Dar es Salaam. The African giants, Al Ahly's delegation, arrived this afternoon on March 27, 2024, ahead of Friday's (March 29, 2024) CAF Champions League match against Simba to be held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

 The Simba-Al Ahly match will start at 9 pm and is expected to be the toughest and most thrilling one.

The historic match will be officiated by South African referee Abongile Tom, and already, the pressure has mounted due to the recent records of the two teams.

In the African Football League (AFL), Simba were eliminated on the away goal rule, with the teams recording a 2-2 draw at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and later a 1-1 draw in the away match.

Simba and Ahly have played eight matches, each winning three at their home ground, drawing two - one in Dar es Salaam and one in Cairo, Egypt.

In the matches, Ahly have scored 12 goals, while Simba have scored seven.

The match is being closely watched as it's the first time for the teams to meet in the knockout stages.

Already, Al Ahly's head of delegation, Hossam Ghally, has expressed significant concern about Simba, especially due to the presence of coach Abdelhak Benchikha.

Ghally, a former Ahly midfielder, said that Simba is a strong team as they have encountered them several times, but their concern is heightened now as they are under the guidance of an experienced coach.

He said their Champions League quarter-final match would be tough due to Benchikha's track record of making things difficult whenever they've faced him.

 "We can defeat Simba, but I believe what makes us concerned is the presence of coach Benchikha (Abdelhak). I think you are aware of his quality at the moment and how he positions himself tactically," Ghally said.

Benchikha is known for sticking to one agenda until the end of the season, having done so with RB Berkane of Morocco and USM Alger, both of which he led to federation cup victories.