Houcine Ammouta's Bold Line-Up for Al Ahly Against Barcelona

Houcine Ammouta has wasted no time putting his stamp 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 new coach has gone bold with his first major line-up, handing a starting berth to fresh signing Soufiane Bendjedida at the tip of the attack.

Ammouta’s first big call

Bendjedida leads the line as an orthodox striker, asked to carry the fight against one of Europe’s elite. Either side of him, Ammouta leans on mobility and experience: Achraf Bencharki cuts in from one flank, while Taher Mohamed Taher works the other, giving Al Ahly width and a counter-attacking threat.

Behind them, the responsibility to control the middle falls on Ahmed Sayed "Zizo", who anchors the midfield unit and wears the creative burden. He is joined by Ahmed Nabil "Koka" and Marwan Attia, a trio expected to chase, press, and try to keep Al Ahly ticking against Barcelona’s passing carousel.

One notable absence hangs over the selection. Emam Ashour misses out, with his future at the club shrouded in uncertainty and questions swirling around what comes next for the midfielder.

A Spanish test before the real business

This clash with Barcelona stands as the sternest examination of a Spanish training camp designed to sharpen Al Ahly before the new season. The Red side are chasing a return to the podiums, and there are few better dress rehearsals than a night under the Camp Nou lights.

The real grind starts next Sunday, when Al Ahly open their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI. Tonight, though, is about measuring themselves against the highest level and giving Ammouta a first, raw look at his team under 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 new coach, a new striker, and Barcelona away in a pre-season showpiece: Ammouta’s Al Ahly project steps into the spotlight immediately.