All eyes will be on former Tanzanian champions Simba, who are scheduled to host Egyptian giants Al Ahly, in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Friday.Simba play host to the defending champions hoping to, maximize on home advantage and, secure a convincing victory that they can hold on in the return leg.A few years ago, Ahly would come into this fixture as favourite but Simba have made significant strides and growth in the competition to the extent that, Wekundu wa Msimbazi are no longer deemed underdogs.The last time the two met in Dar, Simba came down twice to hold the record African champions to a 2-2 draw in the quarterfinals of the inaugural African Football League played last year.##NAJAVA_MECA_7985133##The return leg played in Cairo would end in a 1-1 draw, a result that demonstrated Simba’s growth in continental matches and ability to get favorable results in tough hunting grounds.South African Abongile Tom will be the centre referee in the duel expected to kick off at 9pm.Other matches lined up for the weekend will see Tanzanian champions Yanga play host to the high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.CAFCL: Simba hoping to get over the line this season after coming close in previous editionsIn Lubumbashi, Angola’s Petro de Luanda will have a tough outing when they take on former champions TP Mazembe who are yearning for continental glory since their 2015 feat.Later in the evening, Ivorian powerhouse, Asec Mimosas takes on Esperance Sportive de Tunis to round up the first leg of the two-legged Quarter-Finals of the CAF Champions League.It will be an exciting weekend as far as the CAF Confederation Cup is concerned as the competition enters the quarterfinal as well.On Sunday, Nigeria’s Rivers United will take on the defending champions, USM Alger who go into the clash as firm favorites as title holders but will be wary of the danger posed by the Nigerians at home.Ghana’s Dreams FC will be away to Mali’s Stade de Malien who last lifted the title in 2009 through a dramatic penalty shootout against Algeria’s ES Setif.CAF Champions League: Unprecedented week for Tanzania club football beckonsFormer champions, RS Berkane are looking at reclaiming the title they lost USMA, as they travel to Libya to take on the unpredictable Abu Salem.This will be an even more special occasion for Libyan football as this marks the return of CAF Inter-Club football to the nation who have had to play their matches away from home.Headlining the Super Sunday fixtures is of course the Egyptian derby, as 2019 champions, Zamalek will be looking at ending the continental trophy drought when they take on newcomers, Modern Future FC in what promises to be a highly entertaining affair.CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Fixtures:Friday, 29 MarchSimba SC v Al Ahly SCSaturday, 30 MarchTP Mazembe v Atletico PetroleosYoung Africans v Mamelodi SundownsEsperance v Asec MimosasCAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Finals Fixtures: Sunday, 31 March | First Leg FixturesRivers United FC v USM AlgerStade Malien v Dreams FCAbu Salim SC v RS BerkaneFuture FC v Zamalek SC
