Simba crash out of Caf Champions League after a defeat to Al Ahly

Tanzanian heavyweight, Simba Sporting Club are out of this year’s Caf Champions League after a 3-0 defeat on aggregate to the holders, Al Ahly.

The Egyptian side, Al Ahly recorded a commanding 2-0 win at home in Cairo last night after a 1-0 win in Tanzania to seal a spot in the last four of the tournament.

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Al Ahly will now face the winner of the match between TP Mazembe and Petro de Luanda in the semi-finals of the competition, as they seek to retain the title.

Since the onset, Cairo based side showed glitters and brilliance as they were looking for an early opener.

French striker Antony Modeste threatened Simba’s defence in the 11th minute, but his header narrowly missed the target.

Modeste came close again in the 22nd minute, only for the referee to disallow the goal for an offside call against his teammate, El Shahat, who provided the assist.

Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobier made crucial saves to thwart Simba SC attempts and the first half ended goalless, with both teams locked in a battle for supremacy.

However, Al Ahly broke the deadlock early in the second half when Omar El-Sulaya capitalized on a chance in the 47th minute, firing a powerful shot past Simba’s Moroccan goalkeeper, Ayoub Lakred, to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Simba intensified their attacks in search of an equalizer, but their efforts were in vain. Meanwhile, Al Ahly remained proactive in attack, aiming to extend their lead.

In stoppage time, Al Ahly was awarded a penalty after El Shahat was fouled inside the box.

Mahmoud Kahraba stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly converted it in the 90+6th minute, sealing a 2-0 victory for Al Ahly over Simba SC.

Simba SC followed the footsteps of Yanga SC who crashed out of the tournament agonizingly after a penalty defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.