Portuguese coach Pedro Goncalves believes Young Africans face a demanding but inspiring challenge when they meet Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League.
He insists his unbeaten side will rely on collective balance, defensive solidity, and mental strength to compete in Alexandria.
Goncalves, who took charge of Young Africans in November and has gone seven games without defeat in all competitions, sees the group-stage clash as a chance to shape the race for top spot in Group B. His team sits second with four points, level with Al Ahly but behind on goal difference, after beating Morocco’s AS FAR 1–0 and drawing with Algeria’s JS Kabylie.
The 49-year-old coach expects a high-intensity night at Borg El Arab Stadium yet refuses to frame it as extra pressure. He explains that playing Al Ahly in Egypt, in a match that could decide the group leadership, gives the occasion “a special character,” but for him it is more motivation than burden and a responsibility to give everything on the pitch.
Goncalves underlines that attacking recklessly would be a mistake, stressing that Young Africans must stay compact, cooperative, and balanced from the first second. He points to the team’s impressive run of more than 434 minutes without conceding and four straight Champions League clean sheets as the product of hard work and total commitment, not secrets.
Historically, Young Africans have never beaten Al Ahly away, but the coach downplays talk of a psychological barrier, saying victory will demand major physical, mental, and emotional sacrifices. Having previously faced Egypt twice with Angola in World Cup qualifying, he praises the consistent quality, ambition, and determination of Egyptian players and warns that Al Ahly’s true strength lies in its collective dynamic rather than any single star.
With Young Africans also chasing the Tanzanian league title, Goncalves sets a clear target of reaching at least the Champions League quarterfinals while approaching every match step by step.
He notes that winter signings have already featured, bringing energy, quality, and a strong desire to fight for the club.
