Al Ahly dismiss Ammouta rumours as coach prepares for Zamalek derby

Al Ahly have reportedly rejected claims surrounding Hussein Ammouta’s dissatisfaction with some members of the squad as the Moroccan coach prepares to rotate his team for Wednesday’s Professional League Cup meeting with Petrojet.

According to former Al Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir, Ammouta will take charge of the match at Al Salam Stadium and is expected to give opportunities to several players who have struggled for regular first-team football.

The fixture comes just days before Al Ahly face Zamalek in a highly anticipated Premier League derby.

Ammouta set to rotate Al Ahly squad

Shobeir said on X that the Petrojet match could see Ashraf Dari, Reda Selim, Kabaka and Ahmed Eid feature, while Tawfik Mohamed could also be involved.

Hamza Alaa is expected to start in goal as Ammouta uses the cup fixture to assess players and prepare his squad ahead of the meeting with Zamalek.

The match provides an opportunity for several fringe players to make their case before Al Ahly’s major league fixture next weekend.

Al Ahly angered by Ammouta rumours

Shobeir also reported that Al Ahly officials are unhappy with reports claiming Ammouta is dissatisfied with the level of some players.

According to the former goalkeeper, Ammouta has remained focused on his work and has not raised the issue with the club’s football management.

Al Ahly officials are reportedly concerned about the timing and repeated circulation of what they consider inaccurate reports, particularly with the Zamalek derby approaching.

The club is understood to want to maintain stability around the team rather than allow speculation to affect preparations for the crucial fixture.

Injury concerns ahead of Zamalek derby

Shobeir also provided an update on several players ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Zamalek at Cairo International Stadium.

Ahmed Nabil Kouka is reportedly close to returning to group training, while Karim El-Debis has been ruled out of the derby.

Yasser Ibrahim has started running as he continues his recovery but has yet to return to wearing football boots. Shobeir said the defender’s chances of featuring against Zamalek are no more than 50%.

His availability will depend on whether he can join group training a day before the match, which could leave Ammouta with little time to assess whether he is ready to start.

If Yasser Ibrahim is unavailable, Hadi Riad and Yassin Marei are expected to be the most likely options at the heart of the Al Ahly defence.

Petrojet match offers final preparation

Al Ahly will face Petrojet on Wednesday in their opening Professional League Cup fixture before turning their attention to Zamalek.

The match gives Ammouta the chance to provide playing time to several squad players while also assessing his options ahead of the derby.

Al Ahly are scheduled to meet Zamalek at Cairo International Stadium next Sunday evening in the sixth round of the Premier League, with the fixture already attracting significant attention.