Ahly vs. Young Africans in CAF Champions League. Photo: the club's official website
The Red Eagles lead Group B with seven points, three ahead of Young Africans, with two matches remaining after Saturday’s fixture.
Ahly can secure a place in the last 16 with a win, which would also keep them top of the group, while Morocco’s FAR Rabat and Algeria’s JS Kabylie are both on two points.
The Egyptian champions eased past Young Africans 2-0 at home last week and will be aiming to repeat the result on Saturday to tighten their grip on the group.
“I am happy with the win, but the most important thing is to collect points and secure the top spot in the group,” Ahly coach Jess Thorup said at a post-match news conference.
Ashour suspended
Ahly will be without midfielder Emam Ashour after he missed the team’s trip to Tanzania despite being named in the squad.
The club fined the 27-year-old EGP 1.5 million and suspended him for two weeks for missing the flight without permission.
Ashour has been a key figure this season, providing three assists in five matches in the current campaign.
He also featured for Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the Pharaohs reach the semifinals before losing to eventual champions Senegal.
Young Africans confident at home
Young Africans coach Pedro Goncalves said his side expect to improve at home as they continue their push for a place in the knockout stage despite last week’s defeat in Cairo.
“We will do our best to beat Ahly in Tanzania as we target qualification for the next round,” the Portuguese coach said at a press conference last week.
“Ahly have more experienced players, but we also have talented players who can cause problems for our opponents,” he added.
“If we want to be on the same level as Ahly - or even better - we need to be courageous and show the required quality on the field.” the Portuguese coach said.
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