Hamza Abdelkarim keeps Barcelona momentum going with eye-catching Basel goal

Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim scored for Barcelona against Basel in a pre-season friendly at St. Jakob-Park, continuing to attract attention during the club’s preparation for the 2026-27 campaign.

The striker struck early in the second half to put Barcelona ahead after an evenly contested opening 45 minutes had ended 1-1. Karim Adeyemi and Doucoure had scored for the two sides before the interval, leaving the match level at the break.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick used half-time to make several changes as he assessed his squad ahead of the new season. Wojciech Szczesny, Hamza Abdelkarim, Bisseck and Jules Kounde were introduced, replacing Joan Garcia, Gordon, Alejandro Balde and Eric Garcia.

Abdelkarim made an immediate impression after coming on. In the 48th minute, Adeyemi delivered a well-weighted left-footed cross from the left side into the six-yard box. Abdelkarim had positioned himself in front of goal and reacted quickly, attacking the ball before guiding a left-footed shot into the net.

The finish gave Barcelona their second goal of the game and provided another notable moment for Abdelkarim during the club’s series of warm-up fixtures. His latest effort came after a strong performance in an earlier friendly against Birmingham City, when he scored twice.

That brace had already placed the Egyptian forward among the players making an impression on Flick during pre-season. His goal against Basel gives him another opportunity to underline his claims while Barcelona continue their preparations for the new campaign.

Abdelkarim’s contribution was particularly significant because it came within minutes of his introduction. The forward was able to take advantage of Adeyemi’s delivery, arrive in the right area and complete the move with his left foot.

The match at St. Jakob-Park is part of the pre-season programme being used by both Barcelona and Basel as they build towards the 2026-27 football season. The 1-1 half-time score reflected a game in which both teams had found the net before Barcelona changed several players at the interval.

For Barcelona, the contest also offered Flick the chance to examine a number of options, including Szczesny, Kounde, Balde and both Garcia players, before Abdelkarim’s goal became the main talking point of the second half.

The Egyptian striker has now scored three goals across the two friendly matches mentioned in the team’s preparations: two against Birmingham City and one against Basel. His latest display ensures that he remains one of the players attracting attention as Barcelona’s pre-season programme continues.