Al Ahly striker Monsef Bekrar joins Spain camp ahead of new season

Algerian striker Monsef Bekrar has joined Al Ahly’s training camp in Spain and says he is “very excited” to begin preparations with his new team.

Bekrar was given a period of rest after signing for Al Ahly, but has now reported for duty as the Egyptian club continue their build-up to the new season.

“Hello Al Ahly fans, I am here in Spain and, God willing, it will be a good season for all of us. I am very excited to take part in training,” Bekrar said in a message posted on the club’s official page.

Al Ahly’s pre-season camp is being held in Spain from 6 to 20 August. The club are scheduled to play three friendly matches during their stay, against Spanish sides Badalona and Sabadell.

They will return from the camp after facing Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy on 19 August. The Egyptian Premier League season begins two days later, on 21 August.

Al Ahly will open their league campaign against Eastern Company Enppi on Sunday, 23 August, at Cairo International Stadium. Their first-round schedule ends with a meeting against Wadi Degla.

The club’s league fixtures are:

– First round: Al Ahly v Eastern Company Enppi Sunday, 23 August, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – Second round: ZED v Al Ahly Friday, 28 August, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – Third round: Al Ahly v Smouha Tuesday, 1 September, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – Fourth round: Al Mokawloon Al Arab v Al Ahly Wednesday, 9 September, Al Mokawloon Stadium, 20:00 – Fifth round: Al Ahly v Abu Qir Fertilizers Tuesday, 15 September, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – Sixth round: Zamalek v Al Ahly Sunday, 11 October, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – Seventh round: Al Ahly v El Qanah Wednesday, 21 October, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – Eighth round: Modern v Al Ahly Thursday, 29 October, Cairo International Stadium, 17:00 – Ninth round: Al Ahly v Pyramids Monday, 23 November, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – 10th round: Ghazl El Mahalla v Al Ahly Thursday, 10 December, El Mahalla Stadium, 20:00 – 11th round: Al Ahly v Petrojet Tuesday, 15 December, Cairo International Stadium, 17:00 – 12th round: Ceramica Cleopatra v Al Ahly Thursday, 24 December, Al Mokawloon Stadium, 20:00 – 13th round: Al Ahly v Al Ittihad Tuesday, 29 December, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – 14th round: El Gouna v Al Ahly Tuesday, 5 January, Khaled بشارة Stadium, 17:00 – 15th round: Al Ahly v Petrojet Thursday, 28 January, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – 16th round: National Bank of Egypt v Al Ahly Monday, 1 February, Cairo International Stadium, 20:00 – 17th round: Al Ahly v Al Masry Saturday, 6 February, Borg El Arab Stadium, 20:00 – 18th round: Al Ahly v Tala’ea El Gaish Friday, 12 February, Cairo International Stadium, 21:30 – 19th round: Wadi Degla v Al Ahly Friday, 19 February, Al Salam Stadium, 21:30

Bekrar’s arrival gives Al Ahly’s coaching staff another attacking option as the club prepare for a demanding opening to the domestic campaign, following their Spanish camp and the meeting with Barcelona.