Aqtay Abdullah targets winning start as he awaits first official Al Ahly appearance

Aqtay Abdullah is waiting for his first official match for Al Ahly as the club’s new signing looks to prove himself to the supporters.

The midfielder joined Al Ahly from ENPPI and is currently with the squad at their training camp in Spain, where preparations are continuing for the team’s upcoming meeting with Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Speaking to Al Ahly’s television channel, Abdullah said the squad was using its friendly matches to build towards the new season and insisted he wanted to be fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

“We are trying to benefit from the friendly matches as we prepare for the new season, and we want to be in the best possible condition before the anticipated match against Barcelona,” he said.

Abdullah has already scored in pre-season games, finding the net against Spanish side Badalona and earlier against Al Nassr. However, he is now focused on making his competitive debut for the Egyptian club and delivering performances that will earn the backing of the Al Ahly fans.

“I am waiting for my first official match with Al Ahly and I hope to live up to the expectations of the supporters. God willing, I will make a big impact with the team,” he added.

The player also outlined his ambitions after moving to the club, saying he wanted to help Al Ahly compete for every available honour.

“I came here to win all the titles with the team because Al Ahly enter every competition as the first candidates to win it,” Abdullah said.

The new signing credited his former coach, Magdy Saber, for the support he received before making the move to Al Ahly.

“I thank my former coach Magdy Saber for everything he gave me and for the effort he made with me. I consider him my second father,” he said.

Abdullah was also asked about the opening league fixture against Eastern Company ENPPI. Rather than looking beyond the first game, he said the team’s immediate objective would be to secure victory and begin the campaign positively.

“We play every match with the aim of winning, and we hope it will be a successful start for the players and the technical staff,” he said.

The young player added that he had quickly developed a close relationship with Al Ahly forward Hussein El Shahat, who has been regularly offering him support since his arrival.

“Hussein El Shahat speaks to me constantly and has been one of the closest players to me since I joined Al Ahly,” Abdullah said.

Al Ahly will face Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy on 19 August. Their first league match will follow on Sunday, 23 August, when they meet Eastern Company ENPPI. Both fixtures will give Abdullah further opportunities to make an impression as he waits for his first competitive appearance in Al Ahly colours.