Young Africans vs Al-Hilal Omdurman Prediction: Both teams will net in this opener

In the CAF Champions League round one, Young Africans will play host to Al-Hilal Omdurman at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium. This is the third time the two teams will meet within the last two years. Can Young Africans pick their first win in this fixture as home favourites?

Young Africans could not make it past the previous season's quarterfinal stage of this competition and will hope to do better this time. In the qualification stage of this year’s competition, Young Africans defeated Burkina Faso's side, Vital’O, in a 6-0 aggregate outcome in the semifinal. However, they also put on a dominant performance against Ethiopia Nigd Bank in the finals, which was good enough to see them book a spot in this competition. Yet, Young Africans head into this game with consecutive league defeats to Azam and Tabora United, which ended 0-1 and 1-3.

Al-Hilal Omdurman could not get past the CAF Champions League group stage last year and will hope to do better here. In their group, Al-Hilal Omdurman finished third with just five points, seven behind first-placed Petro Atletico. In six matches played, Al-Hilal Omdurman scored four games and conceded five. However, in the qualification stage of this competition, Al-Hilal Omdurman defeated Al Ahly Benghazi and San Pedro to book their spot in this year’s competition. Heading into this game, Al-Hilal Omdurman have an unbeaten run of 12, winning seven and drawing five. 

Al-Hilal Omdurman has been a threat to Africa, and I expect a lot from them. While Al-Hilal Omdurman have not lost a game in this fixture, I expect them to be at their best again, drawing momentum from their past meetings. However, Young Africans at home can not afford to lose this as they will hope to have a strong start at home. This is an open game looking at the quality of the two teams. Yet, I expect Young Africans to win full-time while Al-Hilal Omdurman finds the back of the net.