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The game lived up to the prior billing, with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and FIFA president Gianni Infantino all in the stands at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The hugely anticipated African Football League finally got underway at the quarterfinal stage, with Simba SC locking up with Al Ahly in a 2-2 stalemate on Friday.
The game lived up to the prior billing, with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and FIFA president Gianni Infantino all in the stands at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was packed and lacked breath; the noise was deafening, and the Tanzanians backed their own Msimbazi for more than 90 minutes.
In the end, against arguably the best and biggest team in Africa, Simba competed and had a huge say, at least until the second leg slated in six days.
With half-time looming, the guests broke the deadlock through Reda Slim following a through ball from Mahmoud Kahraba.
Seven minutes into the second half, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was bouncing, again as Simba found the leveller through Denis Kibu after a cross from Clatous Chama.
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13:45 - 19.10.2023
FOOTBALL African Football League: Robertinho's Simba confident they can get past Al Ahly
Simba and Ahly have previously met on two occasions at the Benjamin Mkapa, with the latter taking 1-0 victories on both.
A minute to the hour-mark, Simba fans went into a frenzy as Sadio Kanoute made it 2-1, as the latter netted off a Saidi Ntibazonkiza cross.
However, sadly for the home fans, Simba's lead didn't last long as Al Ahly grabbed the equaliser through a Kahraba goal.
Seeking a much-needed victory, Simba, under former Vipers SC head coach Roberto Oliviera alias Robertinho, dominated proceedings regarding possession and goal-scoring opportunities.
Ultimately, the two could not be separated and will have to settle matters in Cairo, Egypt, next Friday.
The other fixtures will see Petro Atletico de Luanda of Angola host Mamelodi Sundowns later on Saturday.
Nigeria's Enyimba will host Morocco's Wydad Casablanca, while DRC's TP Mazembe will be home to Tunisia's Esperance Tunis on Sunday.
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