DAR ES SALAAM: THE wait is over as Simba will today lock horns with the Egyptian giants, Al Ahly in CAF Champions League quarter-finals first leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
It’s expected to be a tough duel as Simba’s Coach, Abdelhak Benchikha pointed out they need to win as many goals as they can so that they have a downhill task in Egypt to qualify for the semifinals.
Speaking at a pre-match briefing on Thursday, Benchikha noted: “We are going to play against a big club and the title holder. This will not stop us from meeting our goals and that’s winning the match. “We need to win as many by goals. I am confident we had great preparations and we are in a better place to get good results. “It is true that in the group stage, we scored more goals than them (Al Ahly) and any team that is playing at home would like to win by netting many goals…we will try to do that tomorrow (today).
“To win the Champions League title 11 times does not mean we cannot compete against them and I have told my players this is their moment to fight and help the team move forward,” he said.
The Algerian coach seized the platform to assure Simba fans that they will fight to the last minute in both legs of the quarter-finals. His counterpart, Marcel Koller highlighted the same goal as Benchikha, expounding that they are here to win, but acknowledged how tough it will be, as their opponents are and well experienced.
The Al Ahly trainer said they need to win the match to extend the chance of defending the title.
“We know them (Simba) very well…they are a good team and they are always difficult to defeat, especially here but tomorrow’s match is different, we have a chance to do well,” he said.
Simba’s full-back, Shomari Kapombe also reiterated that basing on the preparations they have had, he is certain that they will win the game. “We respect them (Al Ahly), they are a big club. We are going to approach the match with confidence…our target is to reach the Champions League semi-finals,” he said.
Al Ahly player, Rami Rabia, also described today’s match as a tough one, hoping that in the end they will emerge victorious.
The last time the duo met was in the quarters of African Football League (AFL) at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt, which ended 1-1, and Al Ahly progressed, courtesy of away goal rule after a 3-3 aggregate.
They interface in the first leg encounter of the competition prior to the return leg assignment scheduled at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on April 5th where the best winner will step into the semi-finals.
