Simba SC, Al-Hilal gear up for decisive CAF Champions League clashes

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FOOTBALL Simba SC, Al-Hilal gear up for decisive CAF Champions League clashes

Festus Chuma 11:02 - 23.02.2024

Simba SC and Al-Hilal face crucial CAF Champions League matches, aiming for victories to advance in their respective groups.

Simba SC and Al-Hilal are set to reignite their campaigns in the 2023/2024 CAF Champions League group matches this Friday evening, aiming for victories that could define their paths in this prestigious competition.

The Tanzanian giants, Simba SC, fresh off a convincing 2-0 victory over Wydad AC last December, are poised for a crucial encounter against ASEC Mimosas at the Felix Houphouet Boigng Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. 

Positioned second in Group B with 5 points, Simba SC, who made an impressive run to the quarterfinals in the previous season, are determined to narrow the gap with ASEC Mimosas, the group leaders with 10 points.

Under the guidance of Abdelhak Benchikha, Simba SC's head coach, the team is fully aware of the stakes. 

Benchikha emphasized the importance of teamwork and resilience, stating, "We need to get a good result and the players know that we must work hard as a team." 

Meanwhile, in Group B's other clash, Jwaneng Galaxy and former champions Wydad AC are set to duel, occupying third and fourth places with 4 and 3 points, respectively. 

In another thrilling Group C match, Sudan's Al-Hilal faces a formidable challenge against the group leaders, Petro de Luanda from Angola. 

Due to the ongoing political unrest in Sudan, Al-Hilal will host the match at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.

Positioned at the bottom of the group with 4 points, Al-Hilal, coached by Florent Ibenge, is in dire need of a victory to keep their hopes alive in the competition. The Angola giants, leading with 8 points, will not make this an easy feat.

The competition continues on Saturday with another CECAFA zone team, Young Africans SC, taking on CR Belouizdad in Algeria. 

After a resounding 3-0 win against Medeama FC, Young Africans SC is tied on points with CR Belouizdad but trails on goal difference. With both teams eyeing the top spot, currently held by Egyptian giants Al Ahly, this match is set to be a decisive battle in the race for qualification.

CAF Champions League Match Day 5 Fixtures:

Friday, 23 February

Al-Hilal – Petro de Luanda

Medeama – Al Ahly SC

Asec Mimosas – Simba SC

Saturday, 24 February

Jwaneng Galaxy – Wydad AC

 TP Mazembe - Pyramids FC

Nouadhibou – Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Young Africans – CR Belouizdad

ES Sahel – ES Tunis

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