Yanga face the ultimate test in Alexandria – The BizLens

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans SC are in Alexandria, Egypt, facing one of the most demanding nights in their continental journey as they prepare to take on African giants Al Ahly in a crucial Group B CAF Champions League fixture today, January 23, 2026 at 19:00 HRS East African time.

The Tanzanian champions arrive with belief, momentum and a calm confidence that reflects how far the team has grown this season.

While history and reputation favour the hosts, Yanga insist this encounter is about the present, not the past.

The mood in the Yanga camp has been composed rather than fearful, with players and officials urging supporters back home to remain calm and offer prayers instead of anxiety.

The message from the squad has been consistent: they are ready to compete.

For a club that has often struggled on the road in Africa, this fixture represents a chance to redefine its identity away from home.

Much of that confidence stems from the impact of head coach Pedro Gonçalves, who has transformed Yanga since his arrival in November 2025.

Under his guidance, the team has played ten competitive matches across different competitions without defeat, winning nine and drawing one.

That run has strengthened belief within the squad and reinforced trust in the tactical direction set by the Portuguese coach.

Pedro’s confidence is further boosted by the depth he now enjoys following reinforcements made during the January transfer window.

The arrival of new players has increased competition for places and improved balance across the pitch, giving Yanga greater flexibility in their approach to high-level matches.

This added strength has been evident both in domestic football and on the continental stage.

Tonight’s encounter will be played at Borg El Arab Stadium, after Al Ahly opted to move the match away from Cairo.

The venue has often been used by the Egyptian side for difficult fixtures, a decision viewed as part of their broader strategy to maximise home advantage.

Yanga are familiar with the stadium, having played there before, though past experiences have not been kind.

In April 2016, Yanga were taken to Borg El Arab by Al Ahly and suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat that eliminated them from the CAF Champions League on aggregate.

That painful exit denied them a place in the group stages and reinforced the difficulty of facing Al Ahly on Egyptian soil.

This time, however, Yanga believe they are better prepared, both mentally and tactically.

Al Ahly enter the match fully aware that Yanga are no longer a side to be taken lightly.

Both teams are tied on four points in Group B, with the Egyptians sitting top only on goal difference.

Victory at home is therefore critical for Al Ahly as they look to maintain control of the group before travelling to Tanzania for the return fixture.

Pedro Gonçalves has made it clear that Yanga will not approach the match defensively.

While acknowledging Al Ahly’s rich history and dominance in African football, he insists his side will seek either a win or a draw.

According to the coach, Yanga will not wait for their opponents to dictate the tempo, but instead aim to impose their own structure and intent.

Yanga’s January signings are expected to play a key role in that approach.

Goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga, midfielders Mohammed Damaro and Allan Okello, and forwards Emmanuel Mwanengo and Laurindo Aurélio ‘Depu’ have added quality and depth to the squad. Their integration has been swift, raising the overall competitiveness within the team.

The return of Kouassi Attohoula Yao from a long-term injury has further strengthened Yanga’s options.

His recovery has been welcomed by the technical bench, which views his presence as an important boost both on and off the pitch.

Increased competition in training has raised intensity levels, something Pedro believes will translate into stronger performances on match day.

In attack, Prince Dube remains one of Yanga’s key weapons.

The striker has already made his mark in the group stage, scoring the decisive goal in the 1–0 victory over AS FAR Rabat.

His ability to convert limited chances could prove crucial against an Al Ahly side known for defensive organisation.

Al Ahly, however, have also reinforced their squad, particularly at the back.

The Egyptian champions brought in five new players during the January window, strengthening their defence and adding depth across the line.

Their experience, physicality and tactical discipline remain among the strongest on the continent.

Historically, the record heavily favours Al Ahly.

The two sides have met eight times in the CAF Champions League, with Yanga managing just one victory.

Al Ahly have won five encounters, while two have ended in draws, both in Dar es Salaam.

Yanga have never picked up a point away to the Egyptians, losing all four visits to Egypt.

Despite that record, current form suggests a closely contested encounter.

Yanga have conceded just one goal in the competition so far, demonstrating defensive maturity and organisation.

Their ability to remain compact under pressure has been one of the defining features of their continental campaign this season.

As kick-off approaches in Alexandria, Yanga step onto the pitch carrying the hopes of Tanzanian football and the belief built from months of steady progress.

Against history, against reputation and against expectation, they aim to show that growth is real and ambition justified.

For Yanga, this is not just a match it is a statement of intent on Africa’s biggest stage.