Al Ahly's Bold Line-Up Under Ammouta Faces Barcelona
Al Ahly’s new era under Houcine Ammouta gets its first major examination under the Camp Nou floodlights, with the Moroccan coach naming an adventurous line-up to face Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy this evening.
Ammouta goes bold in Barcelona
In his first marquee test since replacing Hossam Aouar, Ammouta has wasted no time stamping his authority on the side. He has thrown new signing Soufiane Bendjedida straight into the starting XI as a traditional No. 9, asking the forward to lead the line on one of the most daunting stages in club football.
Either side of him, there is pace and guile. Achraf Bencharki, Ammouta’s compatriot, starts on one flank, with Taher Mohamed Taher on the other, giving Al Ahly a front three built to break quickly and stretch Barcelona’s back line.
Behind them, the responsibility for control falls on Ahmed Sayed "Zizo". He anchors the midfield and will dictate the tempo, flanked by Ahmed Nabil "Koka" and Marwan Attia in a trio tasked with absorbing pressure and launching counters. Emam Ashour is a notable absentee, his omission underlining the uncertainty that currently surrounds his future at the club.
At the back, Mostafa Shobier starts in goal, shielded by a back four of Mohamed Hany, Hady Riad, Amr El Gazzar and Karim Fouad. It is a unit that will be tested relentlessly against Barcelona’s movement and passing, a far cry from the more familiar domestic rhythm.
A Spanish test before the real business
This clash with Barcelona is the sharp edge of a Spanish training camp tailored to harden Al Ahly before the new season. It is their sternest assignment of the trip, a night designed to expose flaws, demand resilience and, if Ammouta gets his wish, accelerate the team’s adaptation to his ideas.
The glamour of Camp Nou is only a prelude, though. The real grind begins next Sunday, when Al Ahly open their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI. The question now is simple: will this trial by Barcelona leave them battle-ready for the fight to reclaim domestic podiums?
Al Ahly starting XI vs Barcelona – Joan Gamper Trophy
- Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobier
- Defence: Mohamed Hany, Hady Riad, Amr El Gazzar, Karim Fouad
- Midfield: Ahmed Sayed "Zizo", Marwan Attia, Ahmed Nabil "Koka"
- Attack: Taher Mohamed Taher, Achraf Bencharki, Soufiane Bendjedida
