Al Ahly Names Bold Ammouta Line-Up for Barcelona Clash

Houcine Ammouta has wasted no time stamping his authority on Al Ahly. On the night he takes charge for a glamour test against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy at the Spotify Camp Nou, the Moroccan coach has gone with an adventurous, front-foot XI.

New signing Soufiane Bendjedida leads the line as an orthodox No. 9, trusted from the start in one of the most demanding friendlies Al Ahly will face all year. Either side of him, compatriot Achraf Bencharki and Taher Mohamed Taher provide the width, giving the Red side a three-pronged attack against Spanish royalty.

Behind them, Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" carries the creative burden in midfield. He lines up with Ahmed Nabil "Koka" and Marwan Attia, a trio asked to both protect and supply in a match that will stretch their discipline and composure. One notable absentee: Emam Ashour. The midfielder sits this one out, his future with the club clouded by uncertainty and open questions.

This clash with Barcelona is the peak of a Spanish training camp carefully built to harden Al Ahly before the new season. The objective is clear: return to lifting trophies, at home and beyond. A night at Camp Nou, even in a friendly, offers a sharp measure of where Ammouta’s project stands.

There is no easing in at domestic level either. Next Sunday, Al Ahly kick off their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI, with expectations already rising around the new regime.

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

Ammouta has shown his hand early. Now Camp Nou will reveal how ready this Al Ahly side really is for the season that waits.