Uganda Cranes’ attacking midfielder Allan Okello and his side, Young Africans (Yanga SC), are set for a daunting task as they host African football royalty Al Ahly in the second leg of their CAF Champions League tie at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar.
After suffering a 2-0 defeat in the first leg in Cairo, Yanga are back at home.
Despite the first leg result, the Tanzanian champions will be determined to leverage the advantage of home soil and the vocal support of their passionate fanbase.
However, it’s no secret that Yanga are the underdogs against the Egyptian giants, who are no strangers to success on the continental stage.
But with the crowd behind them and an opportunity to rectify the first-leg result, Yanga will look to produce a positive performance.
The absence of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, which is closed for renovations as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, is a blow.
But Amaan Stadium will still provide the electric atmosphere that could fuel Young Africans to rise to the occasion.
Since joining the club, Allan Okello has wasted no time making an impact.
The 25-year-old has already shown his quality in his brief time with the club, playing two Tanzanian Premier League matches and featuring in the first leg of the Champions League tie against Al Ahly.
His blend of creativity, vision, and technical ability has earned him the admiration of Yanga’s faithful.
Okello’s debut in the domestic league was away to Mashujaa, where he played the full 90 minutes, before again starting in the first leg of the Champions League clash in Cairo.
Against Dodoma, Okello played a league game in front of the home fans for the first time.
While the first-leg defeat against Al Ahly was disappointing, there were signs of promise.
Yanga matched the Egyptian giants for much of the game and showed resilience, especially before going behind.
Okello, in particular, had a couple of key moments, none more significant than his powerful shot that narrowly missed the target.
A goal there could have completely changed the complexion of the tie.
Now, with the return leg at home, Young Africans will need to take the fight to Al Ahly.
They’ll need to be clinical in front of goal, defensively solid, and capable of making the most of the chances they create.
Al Ahly, as always, will be tough to break down, but if Yanga can keep their composure and execute their game plan with precision, they’ll have a shot at completing the comeback.
For Okello, this is another golden opportunity to showcase his talent on the continental stage.
The midfielder has already proven himself capable of rising to the occasion, and the home crowd will be hoping that he can produce a match-winning performance.
