YOUNG Africans (Yanga) head coach Pedro Gonçalves has labelled Saturday’s CAF Champions League Matchday Five clash against AS FAR a “final” as the Tanzanian champions arrived in Rabat to prepare for a decisive Group B showdown.

The high-stakes encounter will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Saturday night, with kickoff set for 10:00pm East African Time. The hosts will play without their supporters following AS FAR’s stadium ban, easing the atmosphere but not the pressure of the occasion.

Speaking earlier at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) before departure, Gonçalves (pictured) underlined the gravity of the fixture as Young Africans chase a place in the quarter-finals.

“We are still very much in the race for the knockout stages. This match is like a final for us; it is about focus and execution,” Gonçalves said.

“While a draw would be a positive result, our main objective is to win and secure progression to the next round. The morale in the camp is incredibly high and we must embrace a winning mindset because this squad has the quality to succeed.”

Despite the challenge of playing away in North Africa, the Portuguese tactician insisted the Jangwani Street giants are in peak condition and mentally ready.

On team fitness, Gonçalves confirmed Young Africans travelled with an almost full-strength squad.

“We have nearly everyone available. Clement Mzize is travelling with us, but he is not yet match-fit. He will continue his light training programme under our supervision until he regains full fitness,” he explained.

Gonçalves also noted that football belongs to the fans and that playing in a restricted or empty stadium is never ideal for the spirit of the game, although the focus remains firmly on performance.

AS FAR are expected to seek revenge after Young Africans edged them 1–0 in the reverse fixture at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar in November, courtesy of a decisive Prince Dube strike - a result that could prove crucial in the qualification race.

After four matches, Group B remains delicately poised. Record African champions Al Ahly lead the group with eight points after two wins and two draws. Behind them, the fight for the second qualification spot is fierce.

Young Africans and AS FAR are locked on five points apiece, separated only by goal difference. The Moroccans sit second with a neutral goal difference, while Young Africans follow closely in third on minus one. JS Kabylie remain bottom with two points, but even they are not mathematically eliminated, underlining the tight nature of the group.

Both Young Africans and AS FAR have mirrored each other so far, each recording one win, two draws and one defeat. Young Africans have scored twice and conceded three, while AS FAR have scored two and conceded two.

In such a tight race, every detail could be decisive. Young Africans, however, carry an important advantage - a superior head-to-head record. Under CAF regulations, if teams finish level on points, priority is given to results between the tied sides, meaning Young Africans’ first-leg victory offers a slight but significant edge.

Gonçalves described the Rabat encounter as season-defining, stressing discipline and game management.

“The focus of the entire team is on this match. The result will determine whether we continue in the competition or wait for next season. For us, this game is like a final,” he said.

He added that tactical intelligence will be vital.

“If we lose by a margin of 1–0, our hopes remain alive. But if we concede more than one goal, then our journey will be over. That is why we must be very smart, very organised and very focused.”

Still, the Young Africans coach insisted his side will not travel defensively.

“A draw is acceptable because it keeps us in the race, but a win would give us direct qualification to the quarter-finals, and that is what we are pushing for. We are going to fight with everything we have to get a positive result.”

Gonçalves also praised his players’ mentality as they prepare to face one of the toughest environments in African club football.

“This is a very important match for Yanga. The players understand the responsibility they carry for the club and our supporters. We will compete with full strength and determination to achieve our objectives in this Champions League campaign.”

As Young Africans settle into Rabat and finalise preparations, all eyes will turn to Saturday night’s clash — a contest that promises tension, intensity and a defining moment in the club’s continental ambitions.