Ammouta’s Bold Line-Up for Al Ahly Against Barcelona
Houcine Ammouta has wasted no time stamping his authority on Al Ahly. On a night when the Joan Gamper Trophy throws them straight into the deep end against Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou, the Moroccan coach has gone bold with his first major line-up.
Ammouta’s First Big Call
With Hossam Aouar gone and a new era beginning, Ammouta has handed a full debut to Soufiane Bendjedida, trusting the new signing to lead the line as a classic centre-forward. No false nines. No experiments. Bendjedida starts as the reference point up front.
Either side of him, there is both flair and work rate. Achraf Bencharki, Ammouta’s compatriot, lines up on one flank, while Taher Mohamed Taher takes the other, giving Al Ahly width and direct running against one of Europe’s most possession-hungry sides.
The bigger story sits just behind them.
Midfield Statement – And a Big Omission
Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" has been given the keys in midfield, tasked with driving the team from the centre of the pitch. He is joined by Ahmed Nabil "Koka" and Marwan Attia, a trio that blends energy, control, and tactical discipline for what is, on paper, Al Ahly’s sternest test of this Spanish training camp.
Emam Ashour is nowhere to be seen. The playmaker misses out entirely, with his future at the club hanging over the squad like a cloud. On a night designed to fine-tune the team before the new season, his absence is as loud as any selection Ammouta has made.
A Trial by Fire Before the Real Battle Begins
This clash with Barcelona is the climax of a Spanish camp built to harden Al Ahly before the serious business begins. The Red giants want to return to lifting trophies, and there are few better measuring sticks than a night under the Camp Nou lights.
Next Sunday, the tone shifts from glamour to grind. Al Ahly will open their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI, where the points will matter more than the occasion. Ammouta’s choices tonight may hint at the backbone of his side for that opener.
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
A new coach, a new striker, a giant of Europe in front of them. For Al Ahly, this is more than a friendly. It’s a first glimpse of what this team intends to become.
