Staff Reporter.
Tanzanian side, Simba SC, said that they can beat Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly when they meet in the CAF Champions League.
Both teams had a winning start to their campaign, with Al Ahly beating Al-Merrikh 3-0 at home while Simba came out victorious in Congo against Vita Club.
They are set to face one another next Tuesday February 23rd at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Simba’s spokesperson, Haji Manara, vowed that the Wekundu wa Msimbazi will fight to beat the Red Devils and have launched the following slogan to encourage their players: ‘Total War in Dar’.
“The last time we met here in Dar es Salaam we defeated Al Ahly 1-0 in 2019 and our slogan then was ‘Yes, we can’,” Manara told reporters.
“Before the last game [vs FC Platinum] we said ‘War in Dar’ a war that was fought in 90 minutes, it was a war of blood and sweat and we emerged victors.
“This time around the clarion call is ‘Total War in Dar’’, Al Ahly are a big team but we are at a point of no return we must fight them and we must win.
“The previous home match came when we had been defeated 5-0 by both Al Ahly and AS Vita and we were laughed at.
“But we ended up picking a 1-0 win that almost took us to the quarter-finals early. Every time we have played against Al Ahly in Tanzania, we have ended up winners.
“We defeated them in 1985 when they were the defending champions of CAF Club Cup Winners and the latest win was 1-0 when Meddie Kagere scored.
“We are capable of beating them again. Everyone associated with Simba has that hope that we can win on Tuesday. From the players, the technical bench, officials and fans all are hopeful.
The players did not take off days granted after the Biashara game because they need to train and give Tanzanians an entertaining game against Al Ahly.
“We accept that we are not at their levels but Simba always love playing big teams.
“We are psychologically prepared knowing that we have no other choice but to win on Tuesday. A win will take us closer to our target which is to qualify for the semi-final of the Champions League, “he concluded.
The second Group A game has come after Simba won the away match against AS Vita.