Al Ahly name Benjedida in starting XI for Barcelona friendly as Ashour misses out

Al Ahly have named new signing Soufiane Benjedida in their starting XI for Wednesday evening’s friendly against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Spotify Camp Nou, while Emam Ashour has been left out of the squad.

Head coach Houcine Ammouta has selected Benjedida as the central striker for the match, with fellow Moroccan Achraf Bencharki and Taher Mohamed Taher operating on either side of him in attack.

Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” starts in midfield alongside Ahmed Nabil “Koka” and Marwan Attia. The omission of Emam Ashour is notable, with question marks continuing to surround the midfielder’s future at Al Ahly.

The fixture is the strongest test Al Ahly will face during their training camp in Spain as they prepare for the new season. The Egyptian club are aiming to return to the trophy-winning stage after a period in which they have been seeking to rebuild their competitive momentum.

Al Ahly will begin their Egyptian league campaign against ENPPI next Sunday.

Ammouta has chosen Mostafa Shobeir in goal, with Mohamed Hany, Hady Riyad, Amr El Gazar and Karim Fouad forming the back four.

The full Al Ahly starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Hady Riyad, Amr El Gazar, Karim Fouad

Midfielders: Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, Marwan Attia, Ahmed Nabil “Koka”

Forwards: Taher Mohamed Taher, Achraf Bencharki, Soufiane Benjedida

The match at Spotify Camp Nou gives Al Ahly an opportunity to measure themselves against Barcelona during their Spanish preparations. Benjedida’s inclusion provides the new arrival with an immediate chance to lead the attack in one of the club’s most demanding pre-season fixtures, while Zizo has been trusted to anchor the midfield.

Ashour’s absence adds further focus to the selection. The midfielder has not been included in the team for the Barcelona meeting as speculation continues over his position and future with Al Ahly.

The Joan Gamper Trophy is being used by Al Ahly as part of their preparations for the season ahead. Their first competitive league fixture will follow shortly after the return from Spain, with ENPPI providing the opening challenge in the Egyptian league on Sunday.