Simba SC vs Al Ahly Prediction: The hosts can’t afford to lose here as they stand no chance in the reverse leg

The quest to conquer Africa continues as Simba SC lock horns against the defending champion, Al Ahly, in the first leg of the Quarterfinal at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday night. Al Ahly are the most decorated team in the history of the tournament and have the quality to defend their title; however, they have a stern test ahead of their clash against a highly motivated Simba SC side. 

Last six games: DDLWDW

The Reds of Msimbazi have not had a smooth start to this campaign; in fact, they’ve managed just two wins in their last six games in the CAF Champions League. They were lucky to have made it this far after Wydad Casablanca failed to turn up on their ground against ASEC Mimosas. Simba SC, who wrapped up their campaign in second spot, were just goals ahead of third-placed Wydad Casablanca, thanks to their final game (6-0) emphatic victory over Galaxy FC. Simba SC picked up nine points from a combined eighteen, scoring nine and conceding twice. 

Things haven’t been the same for them in their domestic league, as they are seven points behind the league, although with a game at hand. Abdelhak Benchika's men have lost four times on their ground since 2021, and it’ll take a five-star performance from the visitors to cart away the maximum points. 

Last six matches: WDDDWW

Al Ahly are the most successful team in the history of the tournament having won it eleven times, and are the defending champions. The Red Devils had a decent run in the group phase, winning three while losing three times. Al Ahly are one of the two sides without defeat in the group stage as they won the group while conceding once in six games. 

Marcel Koller's men have not really played many games in their domestic league, as they have been involved in so many competitions lately. 

Al Ahly are the most experienced team in this tournament; they know what they want, and they know how to go about getting it.

In six recent meetings against each other, Al Ahly have won twice, while Simba SC have managed two victories and two matches ending in a stalemate. Both sides already met this season in the AFL tournament, where they settled for a share of the spoils in both legs. 

Both teams were solid at the back and very dangerous going forward in their respective group matches, conceding just three goals among themselves. Simba SC have been unstable lately, but this is one of their most important games of the season, and we expect them to be at their best, especially on their ground. Chamam and Baleke are expected to start up front, while Ngoma and Yasin will partner in the midfield. 

On the other hand, Al Ahly were pretty solid until their recent game, when they were exposed in the back. They march here with a (4-3) defeat in their domestic league. However, the Red Devils are cut out for games like this, having played almost five final games this season. 

We really don’t think this game will be played with high intensity as both teams have players who are Muslims and will be observing fasting. However, Simba SC will have all the support they need from their fans to see off the best team in the continent. Moreover, Al Ahly will be without their first-team goalkeeper and their best playmaker, Emam Ashour, who are injured. Regardless of who starts, they’ll stick to their tactics and probably come for a point at least. 

According to their recent meeting at the Benjamin Mkapa, it’ll be extremely difficult for the visitors to cart away the maximum points. Home advantage will come in handy for Simba, and we think they’ll take their chances, knowing fully well that they might stand no chance in the return leg; bet on home win either half for 1.95.

We expect the visitors to get a goal at least here; bet on BTTS for 1.90.

The hosts are the closest to securing the maximum points, and we think they’ll win or draw and score more than once for 2.15.

Good luck!