Al Ahly are weighing up the inclusion of Karim Fouad and Hamza Abdel Karim in their squad for the CAF Champions League knockout stages as the Egyptian giants aim to defend their title.
With the quarter-finals fast approaching, head coach Marcel Koller is assessing his options for potential reinforcements.
Strengthening the squad for the quarter-finals
As one of the favorites to lift the trophy, Al Ahly are looking to fine-tune their squad ahead of their quarter-final clash with Mauritanian side Al Hilal.
According to reports, the club’s technical staff is considering adding two promising players—25-year-old Karim Fouad and 17-year-old Hamza Abdel Karim—to their registered squad for the competition.
Fouad, a versatile right-winger, is expected to add depth and attacking flair on the flanks, while Abdel Karim, a highly-rated young talent, is seen as one for the future but could be given a chance to gain valuable experience at the highest level.
Tactical adjustments and key fixtures
Al Ahly, the record 11-time CAF Champions League winners, are determined to retain their continental crown.
Their upcoming quarter-final fixtures against Al Hilal of Mauritania are set for April 1 (first leg) and April 8 (second leg).
With these crucial matches on the horizon, Koller and his staff are carefully considering squad adjustments that could bolster the team’s chances of progressing further in the tournament.
Fouad’s return and Abdel Karim’s rise
Fouad, who has faced injury setbacks in recent seasons, is now regaining full fitness and could provide a valuable option in attack.
His speed, dribbling ability, and tactical awareness make him a useful asset in Al Ahly’s setup.
Abdel Karim, meanwhile, is emerging as one of the most exciting young prospects at the club.
At just 17, the midfielder has already caught the attention of the coaching staff with his composure on the ball and technical skills.
While he may not yet be a regular starter, his potential inclusion signals Al Ahly’s commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the first team.
Al Ahly’s title ambitions
With their eyes firmly set on another CAF Champions League triumph, Al Ahly are making calculated moves to ensure they remain competitive in the latter stages of the tournament.
The possible additions of Fouad and Abdel Karim could provide the team with greater squad depth as they prepare for a crucial phase of their campaign.
The defending champions will now finalize their squad decisions in the coming weeks, as they look to continue their dominance in African club football.
