CAF Champions League: Inspired second half performance helps Al Ahly snatch point at Yanga

Egyptian club champions Al Ahly came back from a goal down to share the points in a 1-1 CAF Champions League draw with hosts Young Africans (Yanga) on Saturday at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Captain and forward Mahmoud Trezeguet set up Aliou Dieng for the equalizer on the hour mark to cancel out an opening goal from Young Africans defender Ibrahim Hamad in first half stoppage time. The result preserves Al Ahly’s three-point lead at the top of Group B.

Based on the first half performance from the two sides, it appeared that Yanga would march to victory in front of their passionate home support. The visitors from Cairo looked flat throughout a first half that featured few opportunities.

But the match sparked to life just before halftime when a clever combination between playmaker Pacôme Zouzoua and striker Depú caused a frantic scene in the visitors’ penalty area. Dickson Job collected the ball and his short pass set up Hamad to fire in from eight yards out.

Ahly coach Jess Thorup motivated his charges to come out with fire in the second half and the 12-time African club champions responded. After creating some dangerous moments in the opening fifteen minutes, the breakthrough arrived in similar fashion to the opening goal. A corner kick was allowed to fall in the Young Africans penalty area and Dieng finished off the post with the outside of his boot.

All square as Young Africans and Al Ahly FC share the points. 🤝#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/cC9nFf0dSR

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) January 31, 2026

The two teams fought to a stalemate for the remaining half hour to end the match on level terms. Next weekend, Ahly will travel to Algeria for a clash with JS Kabylie. Young Africans will also be away from home when they go to the Moroccan capital of Rabat to face AS FAR. Both matches will take place next Saturday.

CAF Champions League: Group B Table