AL Hilal Omdurman head coach Florent Ibenge has acknowledged that the recent coaching change at Young Africans SC (Yanga) has disrupted his team’s preparations for their CAF Champions League group stage clash.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam following Al Hilal’s arrival, Ibenge (pictured) admitted that his tactical plans were designed to counter former Young Africans coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi. 

However, the appointment of German tactician Sead Ramović has left his team uncertain about their opponent’s approach.

“We had studied Gamondi’s style of play and tailored our tactics accordingly,” Ibenge explained. “Now, with Ramović at the helm, we are in the dark about his methods and systems. This makes the match even more challenging, and we must proceed cautiously.”

Ibenge described Group A - featuring Young Africans, Al Hilal, MC Alger of Algeria, and TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo - as one of the toughest in the competition.

“Every team in this group is capable of beating the other. It’s very balanced, and all four teams have an equal chance of advancing to the quarterfinals,” he noted. “Each match will be a battle, and no team can afford to take any opponent lightly.”

To prepare, Al Hilal arrived in Dar es Salaam several days ahead of the November 26 clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to acclimatize to the hot and humid conditions.

“It’s hotter here than in Omdurman at this time of year. We needed to adjust to the weather and finalize our strategies. Yanga is among the strongest teams in Africa right now, so facing them under these conditions will be difficult,” Ibenge said.

The match will mark Sead Ramović’s debut as head coach of Young Africans. The German tactician takes over from Gamondi, who guided Young Africans to their first CAF Champions League group stage appearance since 1998.

Despite Gamondi’s success - including leading Young Africans to the CAF Champions Cup quarterfinals last season and dominating domestic football - the club opted for a coaching change last week. 

Ramović joins Young Africans from South Africa’s TS Galaxy, inheriting a team eager to build on its recent continental success.

Ramović’s task is to maintain Young Africans momentum while implementing his own strategies. The stakes are high as Young Africans aim to leave a mark in Group A, competing against some of Africa’s top clubs.

Gamondi’s tenure at Young Africans brought them tantalizingly close to continental glory, narrowly losing to Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties in the CAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. That experience has set high expectations for Ramović and his squad.

For Young Africans, a strong performance against Al Hilal is crucial to setting the tone for their Champions League campaign. 

For Ramović, it offers a chance to make an immediate impact and establish his credentials in African football.

The clash promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to secure a vital early advantage in their quest for CAF Champions League success.