Ammouta Makes Bold Line-Up Call for Al Ahly Against Barcelona

Houcine Ammouta has wasted no time stamping his authority on Al Ahly. On a night when the Red side walk into the glare of the Spotify Camp Nou lights for the Joan Gamper Trophy, the Moroccan coach has gone bold with his first big line-up call against Barcelona.

Ammouta’s first big statement

Brought in to replace Hossam Aouar, Ammouta has trusted new signing Soufiane Bendjedida to lead the line as a classic centre-forward. No false nine, no experiments. A pure striker, planted right in the heart of Barcelona’s defence.

Either side of him, there is flair and work rate. Achraf Bencharki, another Moroccan touch of creativity, starts on one flank, with Taher Mohamed Taher on the other, tasked with stretching the pitch and testing Barcelona’s full-backs.

Behind them, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” carries the responsibility of dictating the tempo. He anchors the midfield with Ahmed Nabil “Koka” and Marwan Attia, a trio expected to press, bite, and try to keep Al Ahly’s shape intact against one of Europe’s most fluid midfields.

One notable absence hangs over the team sheet. Emam Ashour is out, his name missing at a time when his future with the club is surrounded by uncertainty. On a night of auditions and statements, his absence will not go unnoticed.

The toughest test of pre-season

This clash with Barcelona is the sharpest edge of a Spanish training camp designed to harden Al Ahly before the new season. Friendly in name, ruthless in reality. For Ammouta, it is a live-fire test of combinations, character, and resilience.

The timing matters. In just a few days, the tone of the season will be set. Next Sunday, Al Ahly launch their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI, and the expectation is simple: get back to lifting trophies.

Tonight, though, it is about standing up at Camp Nou and showing they belong on a stage this big.

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 on the other side. For Al Ahly, this is more than a friendly; it is the first real glimpse of what Ammouta’s era might look like.