In a display of unwavering solidarity, the Egyptian Al-Ahly football club’s fans chanted slogans in support of Palestine during their team’s 1-1 draw with Simba of Tanzania in the quarter-finals of the African Football League.
With chants like “With blood and soul, we sacrifice for you, Palestine” and “With blood and soul, Al-Aqsa will not be forsaken,” Al-Ahly’s fans sent a strong message of support and admiration to Palestine.
The “Red Castle,” as Al-Ahly is affectionately known, secured a spot in the semi-finals of the newly established African competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This was made possible by their 2-2 aggregate draw in the quarter-finals.
Simba’s Sadio Konate opened the scoring in the 68th minute, but Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim, commonly known as Kahraba, equalized just eight minutes later.
In the upcoming semi-final match, Al-Ahly will face the winner of the clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Petro Atletico of Angola.
The South African champions secured a 2-0 victory at home in the first leg, setting the stage for the return leg later today.
During the match, Egyptian fans chanted in support of Palestine and Al-Aqsa for several minutes. They also protested against the broadcasting of songs in the stadium, urging for lower volume as a mark of respect for the martyrs of Gaza.
Last Friday, Al-Ahly’s fans had demonstrated their solidarity with Palestine and Gaza by displaying a banner in the stands of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania, which read, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
