Young Africans head coach Pedro Gonçalves has described the challenge of facing Egyptian giants Al Ahly as a unique test, highlighting the strength and stature of the CAF Champions League holders while expressing confidence in his team’s ability to compete.
The Tanzanian side are set to take on Al Ahly on Friday at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria in a crucial Group B encounter of the CAF Champions League.
Young Africans currently sit second in the group with four points, level with Al Ahly but behind on goal difference, making the fixture pivotal in the race for top spot ahead of the return matches.
Since taking charge last November, Gonçalves has overseen an impressive run, guiding the team through seven matches across all competitions without defeat, recording six wins and one draw.
Friday’s showdown will not be Gonçalves’ first experience against Egyptian opposition. The Portuguese tactician previously faced the Egyptian national team during the African qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, suffering one defeat and earning one draw.
Speaking in an interview with Kooora, Gonçalves underlined his ambition to secure a positive result in Alexandria while stressing the importance of maintaining balance on the pitch. He also dismissed suggestions that playing Al Ahly away from home would add extra pressure on his side.
“I took over the job a few weeks ago and succeeded in achieving a series of results without a loss. How do you view the upcoming match against Al-Ahly?
“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 noted.
When asked whether the clash against Al Ahly would be his first true test with Young Africans, the 49-year-old insisted his team is already battle-hardened but acknowledged the significance of the occasion.
“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,” he added.
