Al Ahly: Hussein Ammouta makes decision on goalkeeper for new season

Hussein Ammouta has reportedly decided who will start in goal for Al Ahly next season, despite strong performances from Mohamed El Shenawy and Mostafa Shobeir during the club’s recent friendly against Barcelona.

The Moroccan coach, who is in charge of Al Ahly’s first team, has had to assess his goalkeeping options after both players impressed during the Joan Gamper Cup meeting with Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou.

According to former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, Ammouta has already made his choice.

Ammouta’s goalkeeper decision

El-Hadary revealed on ON Sport that Ammouta has settled on Al Ahly’s first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season.

The decision comes after both Shobeir and El Shenawy produced notable performances against Barcelona, giving the coaching staff a difficult choice between two experienced goalkeepers.

El-Hadary said: “Anyone at the moment will confirm that Mostafa Shobeir is the main goalkeeper for Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team, and this does not mean belittling Mohamed El Shenawy at all,”

The former international goalkeeper stressed that Shobeir’s position should not be viewed as a criticism of El Shenawy, who remains an important figure for Al Ahly.

Instead, he suggested that the current situation reflects the high level of competition between the two goalkeepers.

Shobeir earns praise

Shobeir’s recent performances have strengthened his claim to the starting position.

His displays have also led to him being regarded as the leading goalkeeper for both Al Ahly and the Egypt national team, according to El-Hadary.

The competition between the two keepers has been particularly evident during Al Ahly’s recent preparations.

Both have been given opportunities to demonstrate their ability, with their performances providing the coaching staff with a strong selection dilemma.

El-Hadary maintained that the emergence of Shobeir as the preferred choice should not diminish the contribution made by El Shenawy.

The focus, he said, remains on ensuring that both players continue to perform at the highest possible level for the benefit of their club and country.

El Shenawy impresses against Barcelona

El Shenawy also produced an important moment during Al Ahly’s meeting with Barcelona.

The experienced goalkeeper made a penalty save during the Joan Gamper Cup match, underlining his ability to perform under pressure.

Shobeir also impressed during the fixture, ensuring that the debate over Al Ahly’s number one position remains a significant talking point ahead of the new season.

The match, played at Spotify Camp Nou, provided another opportunity for both goalkeepers to demonstrate their qualities as Ammouta assesses his squad.

Competition remains intense

While Ammouta’s reported decision appears to favour Shobeir, El Shenawy’s performance against Barcelona shows the strength available to Al Ahly in the goalkeeping position.

The competition between the pair has been one of the notable selection issues facing the club, with both capable of producing decisive performances.

For Shobeir, being considered the first-choice goalkeeper represents recognition of his recent form.

For El Shenawy, his penalty save against Barcelona offered another reminder of his experience and ability.

Al Ahly will now prepare for the new campaign with Ammouta apparently having settled the issue of who will begin the season between the posts.