CAIRO — Al-Ahly’s first team wrapped up their final training session in Tanzania ahead of the highly anticipated CAF Champions League Group B showdown against Young Africans, with one mission: to dominate on the pitch and move closer to continental glory.
Contrary to initial plans to train in Dar es Salaam, the Red Devils took to the pitch on Zanzibar Island, fine-tuning their preparations for Saturday’s clash at 3:00pm Cairo Local Time at the Young Africans’ home ground.
Before the session, football director Walid Salah El-Din convened the squad alongside head coach Jess Thorup, delivering tactical insights and motivation.
The training itself featured a mix of recovery drills, dynamic physical exercises, and focused ball work, setting the tone for the decisive encounter.
Al-Ahly’s goalkeeper trio—Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, and Hamza Alaa—worked separately on specialised technical and fitness routines, while the squad concluded the session with an intense full-team scrimmage under Thorup’s guidance.
The Cairo giants currently lead Group B with seven points from three matches, a point buffer over Young Africans, who sit in second place with four.
Last week’s encounter at Borg El-Arab saw winger Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ light up the stadium with a brace in a 2-0 victory, cementing Al-Ahly’s grip on the group. Morocco’s Royal Army and Algeria’s JS Kabylie round out the competitive group.
All eyes are on Saturday’s match—a victory will not only keep the Red Devils’ unbeaten run intact but also secure their place in the CAF Champions League last 16 as group leaders.
The traveling squad has seen some notable absences. Ahmed Abdelkader, Achraf Dari, Karim Fouad, Hamza Abdelkarim, Hadi Riyadh, and Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar, now on loan in Hungary, were left behind.
Emam Ashour’s unexpected absence just hours before takeoff has added drama off the field, resulting in a 1.5 million EGP fine, a two-week suspension, and solo training sessions.
