Ammouta's Bold XI for Al Ahly vs 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 unveiled a bold starting XI that mixes fresh faces with familiar pillars of the side.

Ammouta’s First Big Call

In his first marquee fixture since replacing Hossam Aouar, Ammouta has entrusted new signing Soufiane Bendjedida with the central striker role. No half-measures. The forward starts as an orthodox No. 9, asked to lead the line against one of Europe’s most demanding defences.

Either side of him, there is both flair and work rate. Achraf Bencharki, Ammouta’s compatriot, operates on one flank, with Taher Mohamed Taher on the other, giving Al Ahly width, pressing energy, and the option to break quickly when Barcelona overcommit.

Behind them, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” carries the responsibility of driving the midfield. He lines up alongside Ahmed Nabil “Koka” and Marwan Attia, a trio tasked with surviving Barcelona’s press and, when possible, punching back. Zizo’s presence at the heart of the side underlines his growing influence; he is expected to dictate tempo and link the lines in what will likely be long spells without the ball.

One notable absence stands out. Emam Ashour does not feature, with his future at the club shrouded in uncertainty. On a night designed to test the squad’s readiness for the new season, his omission only intensifies the questions around what comes next for the midfielder.

A Spanish Exam Before the Real Business

This clash with Barcelona is the sharpest edge of a Spanish training camp crafted to harden Al Ahly before the domestic grind begins. The Red side have used the trip to tune fitness, refine Ammouta’s ideas, and measure themselves against higher-tempo opposition. Tonight is the ultimate benchmark.

Next Sunday, the tone changes from spectacle to stakes. Al Ahly open their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI, where points, not prestige, will define the narrative. The Camp Nou test, though, offers a glimpse of how ready they truly are to climb back to the top step of the podium.

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 glamour friendly on paper, a serious audition in reality. For Ammouta and his players, this is not just about Barcelona. It is about proving they are ready to chase trophies again.