Al Ahly began their pre-season campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Stade Tunisien on Monday in Tabarka, offering early signs of promise under new head coach José Ribeiro.
From the opening whistle, the Egyptian champions asserted dominance in possession and physical battles.
Mohamed Sherif needed only nine minutes to make his mark, slotting in the opener after excellent work on the flank by Taher Mohamed Taher.
Sherif doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, this time finishing off a precise delivery from Ashraf Bencharki, whose energy and vision continually disrupted the Tunisian defence.
Bencharki, who was a constant threat down the wing, capped his performance with a goal of his own in the 36th minute.
The move, built from deep, was a showcase of Al Ahly’s fluid passing and sharp movement, leaving Stade Tunisien unable to recover.
By the end of the first half, Al Ahly had built a deserved 3-0 lead, having controlled tempo and territory while leaving few openings for their opponents.
Stade Tunisien managed just one significant chance in the opening 45 minutes but failed to convert, highlighting the gulf in sharpness between the sides.
Manager Ribeiro introduced fresh legs for the second half, making sweeping changes that included the arrival of Trezeguet, Zizo, and Mohamed Abdullah.
The adjustments paid off swiftly. In the 53rd minute, Abdullah added his name to the scoresheet with a composed finish following a clever pass inside the box—showcasing both his instinct and the team’s depth in attack.
Though Stade Tunisien pulled one back in stoppage time through Khalil Ayari, the match had long been decided.
Al Ahly remained composed and in control until the final whistle, using the encounter to assess player chemistry and tactical execution.
The 4-1 victory offered a glimpse into Ribeiro’s blueprint for the upcoming season.
His side blended efficiency, fluid rotations, and attacking width, while the new additions and established names appeared to gel with promising cohesion.
As the summer camp continues, this opening fixture not only bolsters team confidence but also sets a solid foundation for further refinement ahead of the new league campaign.
