The African continent Friday witnessed a monumental moment in football as the inaugural African Football League (AFL) unveiled its majestic championship trophy.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, accompanied by African legends, club officials, and representatives of the football family, presented the trophy, signifying the beginning of a new chapter for elite club football in Africa.
Designed by the visionary artist Bibi Seck from Senegal, the AFL trophy captures the essence of the beautiful game on the continent.
Inspired by the ever-changing movements of nature, the trophy is a masterpiece that tells the story of the AFL’s journey and growth.
Its intricate design and artistic brilliance symbolize the passion and devotion African nations hold for football.
Simultaneously, the first-ever quarter-final match in the AFL showcased a thrilling encounter as Tanzania’s Simba held Egyptian giants Al Ahly to a captivating 2-2 draw.
In a dramatic opener to this pan-African tournament, Simba displayed resilience by fighting back from a goal down to take the lead, only to be pegged back by Al Ahly.
Simba Sports Club, playing in front of their home crowd, had an extra incentive to perform as the President H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan had promised to award the team with 10 million Tanzanian Shillings for every goal they scored.
The tightly contested first half saw Al Ahly seize the advantage, with Reda Slim finding the net in the first minute of stoppage time.
However, Simba roared to life after the break when Denis Kibu equalized in the 53rd minute, followed by Sadjo Kanoute putting the hosts ahead just seven minutes later.
The Tanzanian side’s lead was short-lived though, as Ahmed Kahraba swiftly restored parity, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 deadlock.
The match featured end-to-end action and demonstrated the exhilaration and unpredictability that the AFL promises to deliver.
With away goals no longer carrying double value, the tie is perfectly poised heading into the return leg in Egypt next weekend.
Former Arsenal Manager, Arsène Wenger was among the high-profile foreign officials who graced African Football League (AFL) inaugural match.
The AFL’s inaugural season has embarked on a quest to elevate African club football to new heights, and the electrifying encounter between Simba and Al Ahly exemplified the captivating excitement and intense competition that fans can anticipate in the coming matches.
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