Houcine Ammouta Makes Bold Line-Up Choices 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 glare of the Spotify Camp Nou to face Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy, the Moroccan coach has gone bold with his first major line-up.

Ammouta’s First Big Call

With Hossam Aouar gone and a new era beginning, Ammouta has entrusted the attack to new signing Soufiane Bendjedida, named as the central striker and clear focal point up front. The Algerian leads the line with width and experience around him: Achraf Bencharki starts off one flank, while Taher Mohamed Taher occupies the other, offering pace and direct running against elite opposition.

Behind them, Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" takes on a central role, not out wide, but as the heartbeat of the midfield. He lines up alongside Ahmed Nabil "Koka" and Marwan Attia in a trio that will be asked to both press and play against Barcelona’s passing machine.

One notable absence stands out. Emam Ashour does not feature, with his future at the club surrounded by uncertainty. On a stage like this, his omission is loud.

A Spanish Test Before the Real Business

This clash with Barcelona is the headline act of a Spanish training camp carefully built to harden Al Ahly before the new season. It is, by some distance, their sternest examination of the summer, a measuring stick for a side intent on climbing back to the top and reclaiming trophies.

The serious business begins next Sunday, when Al Ahly kick off their Egyptian Premier League campaign against El Sharkia ENPPI. Tonight, though, is about rhythm, resilience, and proving they can live with one of Europe’s giants.

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

A friendly in name, a statement in spirit. For Ammouta and Al Ahly, this is where the new chapter truly begins.