Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan recalls terrifying near-drowning incident at Al-Ahly camp

Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan has recalled the terrifying moments when he, Hussein El Shahat and Karim Fouad faced the risk of drowning during a beach outing at Al-Ahly’s training camp in Tunisia.

Ben Ramadan, now playing for Qatari club Al-Shamal, said the situation turned dangerous after the players ventured into the sea, with the intervention of teammate Yasser Ibrahim proving crucial in saving them.

Speaking on the “Our Guest” programme on Al Kass Channel, the former Al-Ahly player described the incident as one of the most frightening experiences of his football career.

Beach outing turns into nightmare

Ben Ramadan said the incident happened on a rest day during Al-Ahly’s camp in Tunisia, when several players decided to spend time at the beach.

He explained that he went swimming with El Shahat and Fouad, but the outing quickly became dangerous as they moved further into the sea.

“It was a day of rest, and we all went to the beach on the sidelines of Al-Ahly’s camp in Tunisia, then Hussein El-Shahat, Karim Fouad and I went swimming.”

According to Ben Ramadan, he and El Shahat ventured into deeper water, while Fouad lost his balance and drifted away from the safe area.

Attempts to help Fouad made the situation more dangerous, with El Shahat also facing the risk of drowning as the players struggled with the waves and their distance from safety.

The moments of relaxation had suddenly become a fight to survive.

Yasser Ibrahim’s intervention saves the players

Ben Ramadan said Yasser Ibrahim recognised the danger and rushed to help the players at a decisive moment.

His intervention helped bring the frightening incident to an end, with all three players escaping without loss of life.

Reflecting on the experience, Ben Ramadan said the memory had remained with him long after the incident.

“I saw death with my own eyes,”

The Tunisian midfielder expressed gratitude that the situation ended without a fatality.

Ben Ramadan reflects on Al-Ahly experience

During the interview, Ben Ramadan also discussed his time at Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, praising the club and its supporters while admitting that he did not get the opportunities he wanted.

“Al-Ahly of Egypt is a big team, and the fans of Taraji have a great influence, but Al-Ahly went through a difficult year and I did not get my full chance.”

He also acknowledged the influence of Esperance Sportive de Tunis supporters on his career, highlighting their importance to him.

Why Ben Ramadan chose Al-Shamal

Ben Ramadan said his move to Al-Shamal was completed without major difficulties, with the club’s ambitions and desire to develop among the main reasons behind his decision.

He also spoke positively about the presence of Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah, whom he described as a friend and a great player.

The midfielder added that Bounedjah’s presence, alongside Riyad Mahrez, was an important boost for the team as it seeks to continue progressing and achieve its objectives.

Despite moving on from Al-Ahly, Ben Ramadan’s account of the near-drowning incident remains a striking reminder of how an ordinary day away from football nearly turned into tragedy.