Al Ahly seal AFL semifinal spot after edging Simba on away goals

DUBAI: Egyptian giants Al Ahly booked their place in the inaugural African Football League (AFL) semifinals on Tuesday after a 1-1 home draw with Simba SC saw them through on away goals.

The first leg had finished 2-2 in Tanzania, but Al Ahly’s vital away strikes ultimately proved the difference across the two legs.

Simba claimed the lead on Tuesday through Sadio Kanoute’s composed first-half finish to keep alive their hopes of advancing to the last four.

But resilient Al Ahly held on and equalized through Mahmoud Abdelmonem Kharaba a few moments later before celebrating their aggregate victory.

The 3-3 scoreline allowed the Egyptian side to clinch the first semifinal spot in the history of the pan-African competition.

The draw ends Simba’s brave AFL debut as they bowed out at the last eight stage.

But for African heavyweights Al Ahly, dreams remain alive of being crowned the first ever champions of the groundbreaking new tournament.

After nine CAF Champions League titles, Al Ahly continue blazing a trail at the continent’s top table as they move to within two wins of more history.