Pyramids hand new signing Ahmed Nader Bou Ali debut chance against Al Masry

Pyramids head coach Rulani Mokwena has named Algeria forward Ahmed Nader Bou Ali in his squad for the first time since his move to the club, as the Egyptian Premier League leaders prepare to face Al Masry.

The two sides meet at New Suez Stadium on Sunday in the third round of the league season, with Pyramids seeking to maintain their perfect start.

Bou Ali is the notable inclusion in Mokwena’s squad, while Mahmoud Saber misses out through injury. Everton da Silva is also absent from the travelling group.

Pyramids began the campaign with a 3-0 victory over Ghazl El Mahalla before following it with a 2-0 win against Abu Qir Semad. Those results have put them top of the Egyptian Premier League on six points.

They lead Al Ahly, Tala’ea El Gaish and Al Masry on goal difference, with all four clubs having won their opening two matches.

Mokwena has selected three goalkeepers for the meeting with Al Masry: Ahmed El Shenawy, Mahmoud Gad and Hazem Gamal.

The defensive options are Mohamed Chibi, Khaled Awad, Ahmed Samy, Mahmoud Marei, Osama Galal, Iyad El Askalany and Karim Hafez.

In midfield, the squad includes Mohanad Lasheen, Walid El Karti, Hamed Hamdan, Ahmed Tawfik, Nasser Maher, Mostafa Fathi, Abdelrahman Magdy, Mahmoud Abdelhafiz “Zalaka”, Ouda Fakhouri, Ahmed Abdelkader and Ahmed Atef “Katta”.

The forwards named are Dodo El Gabas, Youssef Ibrahim “Obama” and Bou Ali.

Pyramids’ squad for the match is:

Goalkeepers: Ahmed El Shenawy, Mahmoud Gad, Hazem Gamal

Defenders: Mohamed Chibi, Khaled Awad, Ahmed Samy, Mahmoud Marei, Osama Galal, Iyad El Askalany, Karim Hafez

Midfielders: Mohanad Lasheen, Walid El Karti, Hamed Hamdan, Ahmed Tawfik, Nasser Maher, Mostafa Fathi, Abdelrahman Magdy, Mahmoud Abdelhafiz “Zalaka”, Ouda Fakhouri, Ahmed Abdelkader, Ahmed Atef “Katta”

Forwards: Dodo El Gabas, Youssef Ibrahim “Obama”, Ahmed Nader Bou Ali

The fixture gives Pyramids the opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the table, while Al Masry will look to continue their own unbeaten start and challenge for the early lead.

Bou Ali’s first inclusion adds another attacking option for Mokwena as Pyramids attempt to extend their winning run to three matches.