When Young Africans SC walk out at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria to face African royalty Al Ahly, the Ugandan playmaker will be stepping onto one of the continent’s most unforgiving stages. And unlike many first-timers, Allan Okello carries no illusions, only clarity about the scale of the challenge ahead.
Ahead of his first CAF Champions League appearance in Young Africans colours, the 25-year-old struck a tone of responsibility and resolve while addressing the media alongside head coach Pedro Goncalves, openly acknowledging the depth and relentlessness of the Egyptian giants.
“We play against a team that not only has quality in their starting XI but also boasts a very strong bench, which allows them to maintain intensity throughout the game. For us as players, it means every minute on the pitch will matter,” Okello said to the press.
It was the voice of a player already comfortable with pressure, despite having only recently arrived at the Tanzanian powerhouse. Okello completed his much-publicised move from Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC less than two weeks ago, yet he has wasted little time stamping authority within the squad.
His domestic debut came on Monday, and it was nothing short of emphatic. Okello played the entire match as Young Africans tore Mashujaa FC apart in a ruthless 6-0 victory, delivering a composed and influential performance that quickly endeared him to the Yanga faithful.
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That assured outing did not go unnoticed. Goncalves’ decision to hand Okello pre-match media duties ahead of a high-stakes continental fixture spoke volumes about the trust already placed in him, both as a footballer and as a leader.
Despite the occasion, Friday’s encounter will not be entirely new territory for the Ugandan midfielder. In fact, it will be his third competitive meeting with Al Ahly on the continental stage, a rarity for a player still in the prime of his career.
His first brush with the Egyptian giants came during his teenage years at KCCA FC. In a tie that still lives in Ugandan football folklore, KCCA shocked Al Ahly 2-0 in Kampala before succumbing to a dramatic 4-3 defeat in Cairo. On that unforgettable night, a 17-year-old Okello announced himself to the continent, scoring his side’s third goal inside the intimidating walls of an Ahly stronghold.
Those memories now fuel belief rather than fear as he prepares to face the African champions once more, this time wearing the green and yellow of Young Africans.
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The Group B clash carries significant weight. Both Yanga and Al Ahly sit on four points after two matches, with the Egyptians perched at the summit only due to a superior goal difference of +3. Fine margins will again define the outcome, and Okello is acutely aware of the concentration and intensity required.
“We must be ready to fight for every ball, stay focused from the first whistle to the last, and take responsibility whenever the opportunity comes,” he added.
