Following the recent addition of goalkeeper Mahmoud El Zanfali to Al Ahly’s ranks, the club faces strategic considerations in utilizing the player during the upcoming CAF Champions League.
El Zanfali’s arrival, on a 6-month loan from the Interior Club, provides an asset for local competitions, yet his participation in the CAF Champions League appears constrained due to the African player registration deadline on January 31.
Al Ahly, having already enlisted four goalkeepers on their African roster, must navigate a delicate balance in deploying its goalkeeping talents.
With the injury sidelining Mohamed El Shenawy for an estimated three months, a rehabilitative program aims to restore his fitness for collective training and subsequent match participation.
El Shenawy suffered a significant injury in the closing minutes of Egypt’s clash with Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations, culminating in a 2-2 draw.
The current trio of goalkeepers available for African competitions includes Mustafa Shobier, Hamza Alaa, and Mustafa Mekhlouf.
In light of El Shenawy’s absence, Mustafa Shobier emerges as the likely primary choice for Al Ahly in the Champions League.
Amir Tawfik, Acting CEO and Director of Contracts at Al Ahly Football Club, officially announced the acquisition of Mahmoud El Zanfali, finalizing administrative and financial procedures to secure the new goalkeeper’s services for the next six months, with an option for a permanent transfer.
As Al Ahly prepares for continental challenges, the evolving goalkeeping dynamics highlight the strategic decisions and considerations the club faces in optimizing its roster for success in the CAF Champions League.
