Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup makes bold squad decision ahead of El Gouna clash

Al Ahly head coach Jess Thorup has taken a notable tactical decision ahead of his side’s Egyptian League clash against El Gouna, opting for changes on both flanks.

The Red Devils are set to face El Gouna on Thursday in the 18th round of the Egyptian Premier League, with T Jess Thorup planning to deploy Achraf Bencharki and Hussein El Shahat on the wings.

According to Egyptian daily Al-Youm Al-Sabaa, Al Ahly’s recent matches have seen Bencharki and Taher Mohamed Taher operate on the flanks due to the injury absence of Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Mahmoud Trezeguet. That situation reportedly pushed Torop to settle on a new attacking combination.

The same report added that Moroccan international Youssef Belamri is close to being handed a starting role on the left side in Thursday’s league encounter. The decision follows Belamri’s impressive displays during his recent appearances against Ismaily and AS FAR.

The newspaper concluded that the Al Ahly coach is keen on giving Belamri an opportunity from the start against El Gouna, with the Moroccan expected to replace Ahmed Nabil Kouka, who has previously featured as the starting option on the left flank.

The move underlines Jess Thorup’s willingness to rotate his squad as Al Ahly look to maintain momentum in the title race.