The highly anticipated clash between Al Ahly and Young Africans is set for Friday, January 23, 2026, at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, with a capacity of 30,000. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT, promising an intense Group B encounter in the CAF Champions League group stage. The match will be officiated by Beninese referee Louis Djégoundou, assisted by Eric Ayimavo and others, bringing a neutral African perspective to this key fixture where both sides currently sit level on points after two matches each.
This game carries significant weight as Al Ahly aim to solidify their position at the top of the group, while Young Africans look to upset the Egyptian giants on their home turf. Al Ahly vs Young Africans prediction today draws attention due to the hosts’ historical dominance in continental competitions and the visitors’ resilient recent domestic run. Expect a tactical battle influenced by home advantage and the pressure of advancing in Africa’s premier club tournament.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
As we dive deeper into this encounter, several factors stand out that shape the outlook. Al Ahly’s experience in high-stakes CAF matches contrasts with Young Africans’ momentum from their Tanzanian league campaign. Al Ahly vs Young Africans prediction today highlights the importance of home form, recent inconsistencies for the hosts in domestic cups, and the visitors’ ability to grind out results away. These elements combine to create a matchup where motivation, squad depth, and defensive solidity could decide the outcome. Bettors should weigh historical edges against current trends for informed decisions.
Al Ahly Results
Al Ahly enter this continental fixture after a mixed run in the Egyptian Cup, showing vulnerability despite their pedigree. The Red Devils have alternated wins and losses recently, reflecting rotation and fatigue from a busy schedule. Their focus now shifts fully to the Champions League push.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 15.01.26 | CUP | Al Ahly vs El Gaish | 1-2 | L |
| 10.01.26 | CUP | Pharco vs Al Ahly | 1-4 | W |
| 30.12.25 | CUP | Al Ahly vs Arab Contractors | 0-3 | L |
| 27.12.25 | CUP | Al Ahly vs WE SC | 1-2 | L |
| 23.12.25 | CUP | Ghazl El Mahallah vs Al Ahly | 2-1 | L |
The table reveals a concerning dip for Al Ahly, with four losses in their last five outings across cup competitions. Defensive lapses have been evident, conceding in every match shown, while their attack produced only sporadically. This run contrasts sharply with their usual dominance, suggesting potential fatigue or experimentation ahead of continental duties. Home advantage at Al Salam Stadium remains a key recovery factor.
Young Africans Results
Young Africans arrive in strong domestic shape, dominating their Tanzanian league fixtures with clean sheets and high scoring. Their consistency builds confidence for this challenging away test in Cairo. The team shows no signs of slowing down domestically.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 19.01.26 | LKB | Young Africans vs Mashujaa | 6-0 | W |
| 09.01.26 | CF | Singida Black Stars vs Young Africans | 0-1 | W |
| 07.12.25 | LKB | Coastal Union vs Young Africans | 0-1 | W |
| 04.12.25 | LKB | Young Africans vs Fountain Gate | 2-0 | W |
| 28.11.25 | CL | Kabylie vs Young Africans | 0-0 | D |
Young Africans demonstrate excellent form, winning four of their last five with a single draw in Champions League action. Their defense has been impenetrable in recent domestic games, conceding just once across this stretch. The scoring outburst against Mashujaa underlines attacking potency, while the away shutout against Kabylie proves resilience on the road. This momentum makes them dangerous underdogs.
Al Ahly vs Young Africans Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
The rivalry favors Al Ahly heavily in past meetings, with the Egyptians winning most encounters. Young Africans have struggled to secure victories against the continental powerhouse. These results span several years but highlight a clear pattern.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 01.03.24 | CL | Al Ahly vs Young Africans | 1-0 |
| 02.12.23 | CL | Young Africans vs Al Ahly | 1-1 |
| 20.04.16 | CL | Al Ahly vs Young Africans | 2-1 |
| 09.04.16 | CL | Young Africans vs Al Ahly | 1-1 |
| 09.03.14 | CL | Al Ahly vs Young Africans | 2-0 |
Al Ahly hold a strong record, winning three and drawing two of the last five. Home games have been particularly decisive, with no losses. Young Africans managed draws on their turf but rarely threatened victories. This history suggests caution for the visitors in Cairo.
Predicted Lineups for Al Ahly vs Young Africans
These are the projected starting lineups for the upcoming CAF Champions League clash on January 23, 2026, based on recent team selections, player availability, and tactical preferences. Note that official lineups are typically confirmed about an hour before kick-off, but these represent the most likely XI for each side given current form and squad rotation trends. Positions are indicated in parentheses for clarity.
Predicted lineup: Al Ahly (Egypt)
Alaa (GK), Marei (DF), Ramadan (DF), Shokry (DF), Ben Romdhane (MF), Adel (MF), Abdallah (MF), Gradisar (MF), El Shahat (FW), Abdelkarim (FW), Assiouty (FW).
Predicted lineup: Young Africans (Tanzania)
Mshary (GK), Abuya (DF), Boka (DF), Damaro Camara (DF), Dube (DF), Job (MF), Mpia (MF), Mwamnyeto (MF), Okello (MF), Shomari (FW), Zouzoua (FW).
Injured and Questionable Players
Several key absences could influence the tactical approach in this Group B fixture. Al Ahly face notable defensive and attacking concerns, while Young Africans appear to have a cleaner bill of health entering the match. The table below summarizes the main unavailable or doubtful players based on recent reports.
| Team | Player | Status/Injury |
| Al Ahly | Karim Fouad | Knee collateral ligament tear (out until approx. late January 2026) |
| Al Ahly | Achraf Bencharki | Hamstring tear (recovering, questionable/doubtful for this match) |
| Young Africans | None reported | No major injuries or suspensions noted |
These absences, particularly in Al Ahly’s backline and wide areas, may force adjustments and could open opportunities for Young Africans on the counter. No significant injury news has emerged for the Tanzanian side ahead of the trip to Cairo.
Key Match Factors and Team News
Several critical elements will influence the result in this Group B showdown. Al Ahly benefit from home support but face squad concerns, while Young Africans carry positive momentum with fewer reported issues.
- Karim Fouad remains sidelined for Al Ahly with a knee collateral ligament tear, expected back around match day but doubtful;
- Achraf Bencharki is confirmed out for Al Ahly due to injury, weakening their attacking options;
- Young Africans report Kouassi Yao nearing full fitness after treatment, potentially available late January;
- Al Ahly’s recent cup losses highlight defensive frailties and possible rotation fatigue from dense schedule;
- Young Africans boast a four-game domestic winning streak with strong clean sheets;
- No major scandals reported for either side ahead of the fixture;
- Al Ahly’s historical home dominance in CAF matches adds psychological edge;
- Motivation is high for both as they vie for group supremacy early in the campaign.
Free Tips on Al Ahly vs Young Africans
This section offers practical, match-specific betting guidance drawn from the teams’ recent statistics, head-to-head patterns, and underlying trends in form and performance. By examining how Al Ahly and Young Africans have fared in similar contexts, bettors can spot edges in productivity, defensive solidity, and historical advantages. These targeted tips avoid broad speculation and focus on elements that have repeatedly shaped outcomes in their encounters and current campaigns.
- Prioritize Al Ahly’s home dominance in CAF Champions League ties: The Egyptians have rarely dropped points at home in continental competition, winning most recent home games against Tanzanian sides with clean sheets, making them a strong candidate for victory or low-scoring success despite recent cup inconsistencies.
- Consider the low-goal trend in head-to-head matches: Four of the last five meetings produced under 2.5 goals, with Al Ahly often controlling possession and limiting Young Africans to few chances, supporting bets on unders or no both teams to score.
- Account for Young Africans’ strong away defensive record in recent outings: Their ability to secure clean sheets in domestic and continental away fixtures (including a draw at Kabylie) suggests they can frustrate Al Ahly, potentially leading to a tight scoreline or value in draw-no-bet options for the visitors.
- Factor in Al Ahly’s recent defensive vulnerabilities from cup games: Conceding in four straight domestic matches highlights potential exposure, but this shifts in Champions League home settings where motivation and crowd support typically tighten their backline.
- Leverage the historical edge for narrow home wins: Al Ahly’s pattern of 1-0 or 2-0 results in similar fixtures against Young Africans points toward correct score markets or Asian handicap plays favoring the hosts by a single goal margin.
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Al Ahly vs Young Africans Match Prediction
Al Ahly hold the clear edge in this encounter thanks to their experience, home advantage at Al Salam Stadium, and superior head-to-head record against Young Africans. Despite recent domestic cup struggles showing some vulnerabilities, the Red Devils typically elevate in Champions League ties, especially in Cairo where crowds create an intimidating atmosphere. Young Africans impress with their domestic form and defensive solidity, but facing Al Ahly away has proven difficult historically, with limited scoring output in prior visits. The matchup favors a controlled, low-scoring game where Al Ahly exploit set pieces or counter-attacks. Al Ahly vs Young Africans odds reflect this home favoritism, yet value may lie in cautious outcomes given both teams’ continental pragmatism. Overall, expect Al Ahly to secure a narrow victory, likely by one goal, maintaining their strong group position.
Our Prediction: Al Ahly 1-0 Young Africans
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Al Ahly | 1.26 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.6 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.26 |
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