ENPPI name Mahmoud ‘Kahraba’ in starting XI for Al Ahly opener

ENPPI have named Mahmoud Abdel Moneim “Kahraba” in their starting line-up for their Egyptian Premier League opening-round match against Al Ahly, with Ahmed Kalosha set to lead the defence at Cairo Stadium.

The team was announced by manager Mohamed Barakat shortly before kick-off, as ENPPI begin their league campaign against the side that finished third in last season’s Egyptian Premier League.

Abdel Rahman Samir starts in goal, while Kalosha is joined in a four-man defence by Hazem Tamasah, Seif El-Khashab and Mohamed Hamdy.

Ahmed Ismail, Mohamed Essam and Ali Ehab make up the midfield. Kahraba starts in attack alongside Ahmed Nader Hawash and Emad Mehoub.

ENPPI’s line-up is therefore built around a single goalkeeper, a back four, three midfielders and a front three, with Kahraba occupying one of the attacking positions for the match at Cairo Stadium.

The starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Abdel Rahman Samir

Defenders: Hazem Tamasah, Seif El-Khashab, Ahmed Kalosha, Mohamed Hamdy

Midfielders: Ahmed Ismail, Mohamed Essam, Ali Ehab

Forwards: Ahmed Nader Hawash, Mahmoud Abdel Moneim “Kahraba”, Emad Mehoub

Kalosha’s inclusion gives him a central role in the defensive line, while Kahraba’s selection provides the main focus in ENPPI’s attack before the opening-round meeting with Al Ahly.

ENPPI finished sixth in the Egyptian Premier League last season. Al Ahly ended that campaign in third place, a position that secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

The match at Cairo Stadium is the first league fixture for both teams in the new Egyptian Premier League campaign. ENPPI will begin the contest with Samir behind the defensive quartet of Tamasah, El-Khashab, Kalosha and Hamdy.

Ismail, Essam and Ehab will operate in midfield, with Hawash, Kahraba and Mehoub selected as the attacking trio. The announced formation places particular responsibility on Kalosha in defence and Kahraba in the forward line as ENPPI face Al Ahly in their opening match.

Mohamed Barakat’s side will now look to build on last season’s sixth-place finish, while Al Ahly begin their campaign after ending the previous league season third and earning a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.