When asked about playing Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the upcoming African Football League (AFL), Al Ahly SC icon and former coach Mokhtar Mokhtar didn’t hold back.
As the African champions prepare for the quarterfinals, Mokhtar’s frank remarks have piqued interest in the upcoming matchup.
The opening leg of the AFL quarterfinal between Al Ahly and Tanzanian powerhouses Simba SC will take place on October 20 in Dar es Salaam. A rematch between the teams will decide who moves on to the semifinals a week from now in Cairo.
Mokhtar’s confidence in Al Ahly was on display when he said, “Simba should be concerned about facing Al Ahly, but I am worried about facing South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.” This openness reflects the reverence and caution that are typical of interactions with Sundowns.
Particularly noteworthy is Mamelodi Sundowns’ stellar record versus Al Ahly since the year 2021, during which they have won three of five matches and drew two.
The 5-2 win in the group stages of the Champions League last season was a highlight of this extraordinary run.
Both Al Ahly and Sundowns want to go to the AFL semi-finals, so this should be a fierce contest. In light of Mokhtar’s forthright comments, interest for this matchup has reached new heights across the African footballing continent.
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