Ammouta vs Benhachem: Moroccan coaching rivalry takes centre stage in Egyptian Premier League

Moroccan coaches Hussein Ammouta and Mohamed Amine Benhachem will go head-to-head when Al-Ahly face Modern Sport in the ninth round of the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday.

The encounter, scheduled for 14:00 Moroccan time, brings a Moroccan flavour to Egyptian football, with Ammouta leading Al-Ahly and Benhachem in charge of Modern Sport.

Both coaches will be looking for a positive result, although their teams approach the contest with different objectives in the league standings.

Ammouta targets Al-Ahly response

Ammouta will be hoping to guide Al-Ahly back to winning ways after his side drew 3-3 with Al-Qanat Club in their previous match.

The result reportedly caused dissatisfaction within the club, with defensive mistakes and periods of declining performance raising concerns.

The former Wydad Athletic Club coach will be looking to address those weaknesses while improving his team’s attacking efficiency as Al-Ahly seek to remain in contention for the league title.

Al-Ahly sit second in the standings with 17 points from five wins and two draws. They trail leaders Pyramids, who have collected 21 points after winning all seven of their matches.

Benhachem aims to challenge Egyptian giants

Modern Sport arrive in fifth place with 13 points from four victories, one draw and two defeats.

Benhachem will be seeking a positive result against one of Egypt’s most prominent clubs to strengthen his team’s position and move closer to the leading sides.

The Moroccan coach is supported by a technical staff that includes first assistant Bouchaib Lamberki, goalkeeper coach Zouhair Laroubi and physical trainer Tayeb Lakrouni.

Their presence adds to the Moroccan representation in Egyptian football, with Thursday’s fixture providing an opportunity for the coaching team to test itself against one of the country’s leading clubs.

Moroccan rivalry adds intrigue

The meeting presents contrasting challenges for the two coaches. Ammouta wants Al-Ahly to recover from their disappointing draw and maintain pressure on Pyramids, while Benhachem will be aiming to secure a result against the title contenders.

Modern Sport will also seek to inflict Al-Ahly’s first defeat of the season, according to the match preview, making the encounter an important test for both Moroccan coaches.

With league positions and confidence at stake, the contest offers a notable meeting between two Moroccan tacticians working beyond their country’s domestic championship.