Al Ahly’s squad this season can be described as “less intimidating” compared to previous years, and this could present an opportunity for Tanzania Mainland champions Yanga to achieve something special in Egypt.
This will be the third-round Group B match of the CAF Champions League, with Al Ahly hosting Yanga tomorrow, Friday, in a clash scheduled to kick off at 7:00 pm local time.
The historic CAF Champions League holders currently sit third in the Egyptian Premier League standings, behind Ceramica Cleopatra and Pyramids.
In their last five matches across all competitions, they have managed just one win. It is fair to say they are not in good form.
Yanga, on the other hand, recently lifted the Mapinduzi Cup and earlier this week thrashed Mashujaa FC 6–0 in an NBC Premier League match. The team arrived in Alexandria yesterday with high morale ahead of the encounter.
However, it will not be an easy match, as Al Ahly tend to transform into a different side when playing in the CAF Champions League. That is why they have won the competition more times (12) than any other club in Africa.
Yanga head coach Pedro Goncalves has made his team’s objectives clear ahead of the match, stating that they are aware they are facing the best team in Africa and will therefore approach the game with caution.
If Yanga manage to win or even secure a single point in Egypt, they will put themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg scheduled for next week in Zanzibar.
Al Ahly currently top Group B with four points after two matches, the same as Yanga, but with a superior goal tally.
They will be facing a Yanga side that has set ambitious targets this season to perform strongly in the CAF Champions League.
