Ammouta's Bold Line-Up for Al Ahly vs Barcelona

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

Ammouta’s first statement

Replacing Hossam Aouar in the dugout, Ammouta has entrusted new signing Soufiane Bendjedida with the most demanding role on the pitch: leading the line as an out-and-out striker against one of Europe’s heavyweights. No false nine, no experiments. A pure No. 9 at Camp Nou.

Either side of him, Achraf Bencharki and Taher Mohamed Taher will attack from the flanks, giving Al Ahly pace and direct running in wide areas as they try to stretch Barcelona and hit them on the break.

Behind them, Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" carries the creative and leadership burden in midfield. He lines up with Ahmed Nabil "Koka" and Marwan Attia in a three that will be asked to press, cover ground, and keep the ball under pressure. One notable absentee stands out: Emam Ashour. He misses out completely, with his future at the club surrounded by question marks.

A Spanish test before the real business

Barcelona represent the sharpest edge of a Spanish training camp designed to harden Al Ahly before the new season. This is the benchmark game, the one that reveals flaws and confirms strengths as they chase a return to the winners’ podiums at home and on the continent.

There is no time to dwell. Next Sunday, Al Ahly open their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI. Tonight is glamour and scrutiny. Next week is points and pressure.

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 prestige friendly, a new coach, a reshaped attack. For Ammouta and Al Ahly, Camp Nou is more than a showcase. It is the first real measure of how ready they are for the fight that starts next weekend.