CAFCL: Young Africans boss Pedro Goncalves plots Al Ahly downfall

Young Africans head coach Pedro Gonçalves will have one of his biggest tests when they travel as guests of record holders Al Ahly in the third Group B CAF Champions League game.

The Tanzanian side are set to take on Al Ahly on Friday at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria in a game that determines who tops the standings. Young Africans have four points, the same as Al Ahly but are behind the Egyptians with a difference of two goals.

Speaking in an interview, the Portuguese tactician said: “I took over the job a few weeks ago and succeeded in achieving a series of results without a loss.

Both clubs share four points from two group games

“We expect a match between two teams determined to win. We understand the magnitude of the challenge and the importance of this game, but we believe that by sticking together, uniting, and giving our best, we will have what it takes to fight for victory,” Goncalves told Koora.

“We’ve already faced some very tough tests in the CAF Champions League, and we’ve shown a very positive mindset throughout. But obviously, playing against Al Ahly in Egypt, in a match that will decide the top spot in the group, is a special occasion.

“We’re not approaching this challenge with added pressure, but rather with even greater motivation and a strong sense of responsibility to give our all on the pitch.”

Gonçalves, 49, was appointed by Yanga after failing to qualify Angola for the 2025 Championship for Africa Nations [CHAN] tournament quarterfinals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

He has however masterminded an impressive run, guiding the team through seven matches across all competitions without defeat, recording six wins and one draw.

Morocco’s FAR Rabat and Algeria’s JS Kabylie share one point apiece from two games Kabylie hosting FAR Rabat on Saturday January 24 in the other Group B game.