In the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, Al Ahly defeated Simba SC 1-0 away from home.
Percy Tau, who was rested during the international break, played in the attack for Al Ahly, but Emam Ashour missed the game due to an injury sustained while on duty with Egypt.
Despite not winning on their last three visits to the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Al Ahly got off to a perfect start by scoring in the fourth minute through Ahmed Nabil Koka.
Although Tau had a chance to score midway through the first half, Simba upped the pressure and were met by an inspired Mostafa Shobeir in the Al Ahly goal, who made crucial saves to keep the visitors in the lead.
After the hour mark, Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller reshuffled the pack and made changes to the midfield by bringing on Taher Mohamed and Reda Slim for Tau and Hussein El Shahat.
In the closing stages of the game, former Al Ahly winger Luís Miquissone had a few opportunities to score but was unable to find the back of the net. As a result, Al Ahly secured their first-ever win away to Simba.
