Staff Reporter.
Egyptian giants Al-Ahly have qualified for the semi-finals of the African Football League after a 3-3 draw on aggregate against Tanzania’s Simba.
The Red Devils were initially held to a 2-2 stalemate by Simba in their opening game of the competition last week.
Head coach Marcel Koller was handed a double boost before the return leg as both Mohamed Abdelmonem and summer-signing Anthony Modeste returned to the squad.
Despite playing on home turf, Al Ahly had a slow start to the game and failed to create any real chances in the opening minutes.
However, Al Ahly intensified their attempts towards the end of the half but still couldn’t find the back of the net before the break.
The game took a turn in the second half as Simba took the lead against the run of play following a lapse in concentration from Al Ahly defenders in the 68th minute.
Seven minutes later, the home side were quick to level the scoring as Ali Maaloul’s cutback found Mahmoud Kahraba, who slotted home the equaliser.
The 29-year-old’s strike proved to be the difference as it was enough to send Al Ahly to the African Football League semi-finals on away goals.
Meanwhile Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the semi-finals of the African Football League after defeating Petro de Luanda 2-0 on aggregate, and will now face Al Ahly SC in the next round.