CAFCL: Gonçalves concedes Young Africans not favourites after Al Ahly defeat

Young Africans coach Pedro Gonçalves admitted they will face a tall order to make it to the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League following their 2-0 away defeat against record champions Al Ahly on Friday.

Al Ahly moved top of Group B after Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet struck twice to secure a 2-0 victory over Tanzania’s Young Africans in Alexandria on Friday.

The Egyptian giants made the most of their decisive moments at Borg El Arab Stadium, with Trezeguet’s goals either side of half-time enough to extend their unbeaten start to the group stage and take sole possession of first place.

‘It will not be easy for sure’

“The team is growing, today, it was my third match with the team, first defeat, what a shame for us, but yes, the team wanted more, that is our power, we never gave up, so it was a punch, but yes, tomorrow is another day,” Gonçalves told Pan-Africa Football after the game.

“I am sure everything will come back again. We need to think, and focus ourselves to the big goal to cross the group stage.

“At the beginning we are not the favourites, when we found ourselves in the group with Al Ahly, JS Kabylie, AF FAR, all champions in Africa, and we are the only team never been champions in Africa, and that says something.

“But we are growing, and we must impose ourselves to big goals, and for the big goals, we need to beat big teams. So, that is it, it is not that easy, it will not be easy for sure, but our fight remains.”

Young Africans almost pulled one back late on, only for Shobeir to produce another fine save, while Al Ahly passed up chances to add a third in the closing stages.

The win lifted Al Ahly to seven points from three matches at the summit of Group B, while Young Africans remained second on four points as the group approaches its decisive phase.