Simba coach regrets missed chances in defeat to Ahly

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania 

Abdelhak Benchikha, the coach of Tanzanian giants Simba SC, has expressed regret over his team's missed opportunities following their defeat to Al Ahly on Saturday.

The home side suffered narrow 1-0 defeat to the Egyptian giants in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Despite playing in front of a roaring 60 000 capacity crowd, Ahly displayed their experience as they managed the hard-fought 1-0 win to take to Cairo next week.

An early goal by Ahmed Kouka was enough to secure the first leg victory for the Egyptian giants who did well to absorb the ongoing pressure from Simba throughout the encounter.

Despite failing to find the back of the net, Simba's relentless pressure pinned Al Ahly in their own half for extended periods.

Addressing the press after the match, Benchikha offered his apologies to Simba fans, acknowledging Al Ahly's efficiency in capitalizing on their limited chances.

He lamented, "They got only one chance and used it, yet we had several chances but never utilised them appropriately."

Emphasizing the importance of converting opportunities at this level of competition, Benchikha stressed the consequences of squandered chances against formidable opponents like Al Ahly.

"At this level of football, you must use your chances against a big club like Al Ahly, or else you suffer the consequences, which are usually bitter," he remarked.

Despite the disappointing result, Benchikha remained resolute about his team's prospects in the upcoming second leg in Cairo.

"We have not given up. We want to use the second leg away in Cairo. As much as it will be tough, we will have to push to the end," he affirmed.

Simba's spirited performance, particularly in the second half, showcased their determination to challenge the reigning champions when the two sides clash in the return leg in Cairo on Friday.

The Tanzanians will draw inspiration from their positive display later in the game and look to capitalize on their opportunities to overturn the deficit and progress to the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament.