Sofian Benjdida: Former coach backs new Al Ahly striker to silence doubters

Moroccan forward Sofian Benjdida has been backed to silence his critics on the pitch and become a “great signing” for Al Ahly, according to the coach who guided him to a historic league title.

Pablo Franco, the Spanish former Maghreb Fes boss, told FilGoal.com that the 24-year-old striker has “everything needed” to succeed in Egypt after completing a three-year move from the Moroccan club.

Benjdida scored 20 league goals last season to fire Maghreb Fes to their first Moroccan league crown in 41 years – a feat Franco says underlines the scale of Al Ahly’s acquisition.

‘Only a handful have ever done that’

“سفيان هداف كبير، وتسجيل 20 هدفا في الدوري المغربي لم يحققه سوى عدد قليل جدا من اللاعبين عبر التاريخ، كان عنصرا حاسما في تتويجنا بلقب الدوري بعد غياب دام 41 عاما، بالاضافة الى ذلك، فهو شاب رايع ويعمل بجدية كبيرة، يستحق هذه الفرصة”.

Benjdida’s 20-goal haul came in just 31 league appearances for Maghreb Fes, where he also provided two assists.

The tally, achieved in a traditionally low-scoring Botola Pro, places him among a very select group of forwards in the competition’s history, Franco stressed.

The Spaniard, who previously worked on the staff at clubs including Getafe and in the Middle East, said the striker’s attitude matched his output in front of goal.

World Cup disappointment fuelled best form

Franco highlighted Benjdida’s response to missing out on a potential World Cup debut with Morocco as proof of his strong mentality.

“يمتلك شخصية قوية للغاية، كما يتمتع بصلابة ذهنية كبيرة، تم استبعاده من القايمة النهايية لكاس العالم رغم وجوده في القايمة الاولية، وكان يستحق المشاركة بالنظر الى مستواه”.

“وبعد تلك الخيبة، قدم افضل كرة قدم له معنا، وسجل اهدافا حاسمة ساعدتنا على الفوز بلقب الدوري المغربي”.

The forward had been named in Morocco’s preliminary squad for the tournament but was cut from the final list. Rather than lose confidence, Franco said, Benjdida produced his most decisive football of the season in the title run-in.

‘He will answer on the pitch’

Al Ahly announced the signing earlier this week, confirming Benjdida has joined the Cairo giants on a three-season contract.

وعن انتقاله للاهلي قال: “سيرد داخل الملعب، وامل ان يقتنع الجميع قريبا بانه صفقة رايعة في ارضية الملعب وبمستواه”.

Franco described his former player as an out-and-out centre-forward with a ruthless streak in the penalty area, but also someone who can link play and fit into a collective pressing and possession game.

“سفيان مهاجم صريح يتميز بقدرة كبيرة على انهاء الهجمات، لذلك حاولت ان اجعل الفريق يصنع اكبر عدد ممكن من الفرص الخطيرة حتى يتمكن من استغلالها والتسجيل، كما سعيت للاستفادة من قدرته على الربط بين الخطوط ومنح الاستمرارية لاسلوب لعبنا الجماعي للسيطرة على المنافسين”.

European grounding and Moroccan rise

Before his breakthrough in Morocco, Benjdida spent time in Belgium with Standard Liege at youth level and made appearances for the club’s first team.

He later returned to his homeland with Raja Casablanca, featuring for their under-19s, youth sides and senior team, before moving to RWD Molenbeek in Belgium. From there he joined Maghreb Fes, where his career accelerated.

Franco believes that blend of European schooling and North African experience will help the forward adapt quickly to Egyptian football and the intense scrutiny that comes with leading the line for Africa’s most decorated club.

Al Ahly, who continue to refresh their attacking options as they chase domestic and continental honours, will hope Benjdida can reproduce his prolific Moroccan form in Cairo – and, as his former coach insists, allow his goals to do the talking.