Uganda Cranes midfielder Allan Okello and his Young Africans SC side played out a 1-1 draw with record holders Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League on Saturday at a packed Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
In contrast to their disappointing 2-0 defeat in Egypt in the first leg, Yanga kicked off the game with a much more positive approach, taking the lead in the first half.
Ibrahim Hamad’s strike gave the Tanzanians a 1-0 advantage at the break, mirroring the way Al Ahly had led at halftime in Cairo, when Trezeguet’s injury-time goal had given the Egyptians a slender 1-0 lead.
The first leg had seen Al Ahly double their advantage in the second half, with a second goal coming later after the restart.
However, the return fixture in Zanzibar proved to be a more resilient performance from the Tanzanians.
Instead of falling behind, they fought back after the break, with Aliou Dieng’s equalizer for Al Ahly in the second half ensuring the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Okello, who had been substituted in the 75th minute during the first leg, lasted until the 85th minute in the return clash, showing a stronger presence in the midfield as Yanga fought to hold on to their lead.
With both teams now having played four matches in Group B, Al Ahly sit atop the standings with 8 points, while Young Africans are in second place with 4 points.
Looking ahead, Al Ahly will travel to Algeria to face CR Belouizdad next weekend, while Young Africans will be away to FAR Rabat in Morocco.
