MOHAMED Abdelrahman, captain of Sudan’s Al Hilal, has highlighted the challenges his team faces as they prepare to meet Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) in a highly anticipated CAF Champions League Group A encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on November 26.

Abdelrahman (pictured) singled out Young Africans’ attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki as a particularly dangerous player, setting the stage for an intense battle.

Al Hilal and Young Africans are both in Group A, alongside DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, who boast five Champions League titles, and Algeria’s MC Alger. 

Abdelrahman noted the formidable nature of their group, predicting difficult fixtures ahead. He emphasized that Young Africans’ recent form in the CAF Champions League has transformed the team into a stronger contender, making this season a tougher one for all sides involved.

“It will be a good and challenging match because both teams know each other well,” Abdelrahman said, reflecting on their past encounters. “Yanga today is different from the team we faced previously. They’ve strengthened their squad and have a quality technical bench. We respect them a lot for that.”

Abdelrahman added that, despite Al Hilal’s familiarity with Tanzanian teams through various training camps held in the country, Young Africans’ current lineup poses a significant threat. He pointed out that while Aziz Ki stands out, all Young Africans players command respect due to their skills and collective quality.

“The player I can truly describe is Stephane Aziz Ki, but they are all good. We respect them,” he stated. Abdelrahman explained that while his current focus is on Sudan’s national team and their bid to qualify for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), he remains mindful of the upcoming match against Young Africans.

This Champions League opener carries a personal weight for Young Africans, as they seek to avenge their narrow defeat to Al Hilal in the 2022/23 season. 

During that campaign, Young Africans and Al Hilal clashed in the tournament’s knockout rounds, with the first leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium ending in a 1-1 draw. In the return match in Omdurman on October 16, 2022, Al Hilal emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, eliminating Young Africans from the Champions League. 

Young Africans later transitioned to the CAF Confederation Cup, making it all the way to the final but ultimately falling short of the title against Algeria’s USM Alger.

In that final, Young Africans narrowly missed out on the trophy due to the away goals rule. After losing 2-1 at home on May 28, 2023, they managed a 1-0 victory in the return leg in Algiers on June 3, but it wasn’t enough to secure the championship. 

Young Africans are now determined to rewrite their story and make a deep run in the Champions League, and their impressive form in qualifying rounds reflects that ambition.

Young Africans made an emphatic statement in their Champions League qualifying campaign, securing a spot in the group stage for the second consecutive season. 

The Tanzanian champions defeated Burundi’s Vital’O with an overwhelming 10-0 aggregate score and went on to eliminate Ethiopia’s CBE SA with a 7-0 aggregate, a total of 17 goals scored across four matches without conceding a single goal.

Similarly, Al Hilal demonstrated their resilience in the early rounds of the Champions League, advancing through challenging circumstances. 

Amid ongoing security concerns in Sudan, the team has been based in Mauritania for its domestic league matches. 

Al Hilal began their Champions League journey by overcoming Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya with a 2-1 aggregate score. They followed up by defeating Ivory Coast’s San Pedro in the first round, advancing with a narrow 3-2 aggregate.

Domestically, both Young Africans and Al Hilal have been in strong form, positioning them as among leading teams in their respective leagues. 

Young Africans currently are second in the Tanzanian Premier League with 24 points, having won eight matches and lost two. Meanwhile, Al Hilal lead the Mauritania Premier League, where they are temporarily competing due to the security situation in Sudan. In five games, Al Hilal have recorded four wins and one draw, accumulating 13 points.

The upcoming clash between Al Hilal and Young Africans is a fixture with high stakes for both teams. Abdelrahman’s comments underscore the mutual respect shared between the two sides, but also the determination to emerge victorious. 

With Young Africans out for revenge and Al Hilal aiming to prove their mettle, the Group A showdown at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium promises to deliver an exhilarating display of African football at its finest.

The November 26 match will not only test Al Hilal’s ability to counter Young Africans’ transformed squad but will also showcase whether the Jangwani Street-based side’ offseason preparations have paid off against seasoned African rivals. 

As Abdelrahman noted, both sides will face challenges, but Young Africans resurgence under Miguel Gamondi and Al Hilal’s resilience in the face of adversity make this match one of the most anticipated group stage encounters. 

Fans across the continent are eagerly awaiting the outcome as Young Africans aim to continue their journey toward continental glory.