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Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) suffered a 2–0 defeat against African champions Al Ahly in their CAF Champions’ League Group B match held on Friday evening at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, with Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet scoring both goals to help the home team earn all three points.

The game started at a fast pace, with Yanga demonstrating assurance and strategic control even though they were competing on the road.

The Tanzanian champions were equal to Al Ahly in midfield battles and appeared threatening on quick counterattacks, challenging the Egyptian defense early with Allan Okello and rapid transitions.

Yanga generated the initial significant opportunities in the match and concluded the first half with four shots on goal, two of which were accurate.

Al Ahly’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was called into action within the first 15 minutes, making a quick save as defender Yasser Ibrahim removed the threat when Yanga looked to gain control.

Although they had extended periods of ball control, Al Ahly found it difficult to generate clear chances for most of the first half. Their goal eventually came in added time.

Mohamed Hany provided a playful cross from the right side, while Trezeguet jumped over his defender to direct a header toward the net.

The ball slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, granting the home team a 1–0 advantage in the 45+3rd minute.

The Yanga manager, Pedro Gonçalves, implemented multiple alterations from the team that triumphed over Mashujaa in the Mainland Premier League.

Diarra came back in goal before Abuutwalib Mshery, Israel Mwenda took the right-back position instead of Kibwana Shomary, and Laurindo “Depu” Dilson was at the forefront after scoring and assisting in the last game. Playmaker Pacôme Zouzoua started on the bench as Pedro changed to a 3-5-2 system from his usual 4-2-3-1 setup.

Following the break, Yanga kept striving for an equalizer and came close once more when a low shot almost caught Shobeir by surprise, but the Al Ahly goalkeeper responded swiftly to maintain his team’s advantage.

At the beginning of the second half, Pedro made two substitutions, bringing on Pacôme Zouzoua and Mudathir Yahya in place of Mwenda and the already-yellow-carded Mohamed Damaro, aiming to boost the team’s offensive pressure. Although these changes enhanced Yanga’s attacking movement, they also created more room for Al Ahly during transitions.

As the game progressed, Al Ahly slowly took greater control and extended their lead in the 75th minute. Trezeguet received the ball within the penalty box, moved it to his right foot, and unleashed a strong shot that went past Diarra, completing his second goal of the match.

Pedro made additional changes, introducing Mohammed Hussein and Yao in place of Boka and Job to restore balance, while Prince Dube was later brought on to enhance the offensive.

Yanga made a late push and nearly scored again, but Shobeir once again made a great save. Meanwhile, Al Ahly missed chances to score a third goal in the final moments.

The win kept Al Ahly’s perfect record intact in the group stage, placing them at the top of Group B with seven points from three games. Yanga stay in second place with four points as the tournament enters its critical stage.

The loss halted Yanga’s four-month unbeaten streak, which began on October 18, 2025, and extended their difficult performance on the road against Al Ahly in Egypt.

Focus now shifts to the return match set for January 30 at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, where Yanga aims to make a strong comeback and maintain their chances in the CAF Champions League.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).