Young Africans eye victorious start in in TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group B showdown with AS FAR

Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League is widely regarded as this season’s “Group of Death”, and the spotlight turns to Zanzibar as Young Africans open their campaign against Moroccan giants AS FAR.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference at the Amaan Stadium on Friday, recently appointed Young Africans head coach Pedro Gonçalves, highlighted both the magnitude of the challenge and the ambition driving his side.

“Tomorrow is the first match in the group. I think everybody thinks that is the Group of death with four strongest teams in Africa, with three of them already champions,” he said, acknowledging the pedigree of the opposition.

Despite the difficulty of the group, the coach reaffirmed Yanga’s long-term aspiration: “We have the desire to one day become champions also.”

Gonçalves was full of respect for Saturday’s opponents, noting AS FAR’s growth and tactical maturity.

“AS FAR is a strong club with a team that has developed a lot in the last two seasons. I know very well the coach. They have a very balanced team across.”

However, he remained confident that Young Africans’ evolution, combined with the energy of their fans in Zanzibar, could tilt the balance in their favour.

“We intend to continue our changes and our full moments, and we believe tomorrow, with our supporters here in Zanzibar, we will be able to conquer tomorrow.”

With both clubs entering the group stages carrying high expectations and strong recent form, Saturday’s clash promises intensity and the kind of atmosphere befitting Africa’s premier club competition.

Kick-Off at the Amaan Stadium on Saturday is at 13h00 GMT.