Al-Ahly, under the management of Swiss coach Marcel Koller, has confirmed its decision to engage in its first friendly match during the UAE training camp against Saudi team Al-Akhdoud on January 23.
Subsequently, the team is set to face Kuwaiti side Kuwait on January 27.
The football squad of Al-Ahly departed from Cairo International Airport earlier to head to the UAE for a closed camp scheduled from January 20 to 28.
This preparation period aims to gear up for upcoming competitions, notably the encounter with Algeria’s ES Setif in mid-February during the fourth round of the group stage in the CAF Champions League.
Khaled Bebo, Al-Ahly’s Football Director, has been appointed by the club’s board to lead the delegation for the first football team during their UAE camp.
Bebo ensured the completion of all necessary arrangements, both for the technical and administrative aspects, in addition to coordinating the friendly matches and organizing various logistical matters throughout the camp.
The Al-Ahly camp in the UAE will not feature international players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, with seven Al-Ahly players representing their respective national teams.
Notably, Mohamed El-Shennawy, Mohamed Abdel-Monem, Mohamed Hani, Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Mahmoud Kahraba are part of the Egyptian national team.
Furthermore, the trio of foreign players – Ali Maaloul of Tunisia, Percy Tau of South Africa, and Aliou Dieng of Mali – will be absent due to their national team commitments.
Additionally, Hamza Alaa and Karim El-Deeb have joined the Olympic team currently participating in a friendly tournament in the UAE.
Therefore, the coaching staff has decided to elevate approximately 10 youth players to train with the first team during this period.
