The CAF Champions League returns after a two-month break with a heavyweight clash as Al Ahly host Young Africans at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
The Egyptian powerhouse are on top of Group B with four points, level with their opponents Yanga, though the former has a superior goal difference.
As we head into matchday three in the elite African club competition, both sides are desperate to maintain their unbeaten record to qualify as leaders of the table. Al Ahly beat Kabylie 4-1, before settling for a 1-1 draw against FAR Rabat.
ALSO READ: Europa League round seven predictions: team news, key stats & h2h
Yanga on the other hand beat the Moroccans 1-0 in Dar es Salaam before playing out to a barren draw against Kabylie. The Tanzanian league champions are yet to concede a goal in the competition.
The two sides come into the game on such opposite runs of form and we can expect the unexpected in this crucial tie.
Al Ahly remain the record winners of the CAF Champions League, winning an unprecedented 12th title during the 2023/24 campaign. They remain favorites having won four of the last six finals.
We have a look at all the key details of this crucial encounter and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Al Ahly vs Young Africans start?
The game kicks off at 7PM E.A.T
Al Ahly vs Young Africans team news
Trezeguet has been in top form for his club in the competition. The forward scored a brace in their opening fixture and scored in the 1-1 draw against Rabat.
He is expected to start in the Al Ahly attack after a disappointing fourth-place finish at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations.
The rest of the side will remain unchanged from their recent CAF CL match against Rabat.
Prince Dube has scored Yanga’s only goal in the competition so far and will be available for selection here. He was on target over the weekend in Yanga’s 6-0 win against Mashujaa.
Kenyan attacking midfielder Duke Abuya has been in good form for the Tanzanian outfit and was also on target over the weekend. He is expected to retain his starting role as well.
ALSO READ: Marseille vs Liverpool prediction: Champions League preview, team news & h2h
Al Ahly vs Young Africans head-to-head and current form
The Egyptians have won just one of their last four matches. This will not be cause for any real concern, as they have been Cup games.
Their Tanzanian visitors on the other hand are on a brilliant run of form, winning the last four games they have played. Yanga have scored 10 goals in that run and not conceded a single one.
Two of the last five matches played between these two clubs has resulted in a draw. Al Ahly have won the rest, with Yanga’s last victory over the Egyptians dating back to 2014.
Al Ahly vs Young Africans previous games
- Al Ahly 1-0 Young Africans (March 1, 2024)
- Young Africans 1-1 Al Ahly (December 2, 2023)
- Al Ahly 2-1 Young Africans (April 20, 2016)
- Young Africans 1-1 Al Ahly (April 9, 2016)
- Al Ahly 2-0 Young Africans (March 9, 2014)
Al Ahly vs Young Africans prediction
The Egyptians have proved to be superior over recent years and are still favorites to win at home. They will rely on Trezeguet’s exploits to find a goal against a rather resolute Yanga defense.
With the superb form they are on, Yanga must not be underestimated ahead of this encounter. At least a goal for the visitors is expected.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME