Al Ahly XI to Face Barcelona at Camp Nou
Houcine Ammouta has wasted no time putting his stamp on Al Ahly. In his first major test since replacing Hossam Aouar, the Moroccan coach has named an adventurous line-up to take on Barcelona this evening at the Spotify Camp Nou in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
This is no gentle friendly. For Al Ahly, it is the sharp edge of a Spanish training camp built to harden them for a new season and a renewed push to climb back onto the winners’ podiums.
Bold call up front
Ammouta has thrown new signing Soufiane Bendjedida straight into the fire, handing the forward a starting role as an out-and-out striker. The message is clear: he was not brought in to watch from the bench.
Either side of him, there is pace and guile. Achraf Bencharki, Bendjedida’s compatriot, starts on one flank, with Taher Mohamed Taher on the other, giving Al Ahly width and direct running against elite opposition.
Behind them, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” carries the responsibility of leading the midfield. He lines up alongside Ahmed Nabil “Koka” and Marwan Attia, a trio asked to match Barcelona’s rhythm and protect a back line that will be tested from the first whistle.
One notable absentee is Emam Ashour. He misses out completely, his future at the club clouded by uncertainty and unanswered questions.
Structure and stakes
Mostafa Shobier gets the nod in goal, shielded by a back four of Mohamed Hany, Hady Riad, Amr El Gazzar and Karim Fouad. Against Barcelona, every touch, every clearance, every lapse will be magnified.
For Ammouta, this is the hardest assignment of a carefully planned Spanish camp. The opposition could hardly be tougher, but the timing suits Al Ahly: a high-intensity dress rehearsal just days before the real business begins.
Next Sunday, the Red side launch their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI. Tonight, they measure themselves against Barcelona. In a week, they will discover whether this trial by fire has truly forged a title contender.
Al Ahly starting XI vs Barcelona
- 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
