Al Ahly select Benjedida and Zizo for Barcelona clash as Emam Ashour misses out

Al Ahly have named new signing Sofian Benjedida in attack alongside Achraf Bencharki and Taher Mohamed Taher for Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy meeting with Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou.

Head coach Hussein Ammouta has selected Benjedida as the team’s central striker for the friendly, with Bencharki and Taher operating on either side of him.

Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” starts in midfield, where he will be joined by Ahmed Nabil “Koka” and Marwan Attia. Emam Ashour is not included in the starting line-up, with uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

The match represents Al Ahly’s strongest test of their pre-season camp in Spain as the Egyptian side prepare for the start of the new campaign. The club are aiming to return to winning ways and challenge for trophies after a period in which they have fallen short of their ambitions.

Al Ahly begin their Egyptian Premier League season away to ENPPI next Sunday.

A club team graphic published before the match confirmed the full line-up selected by Ammouta.

Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir.

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Hady Riad, Amr El Gazar and Karim Fouad.

Midfielders: Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, Marwan Attia and Ahmed Nabil “Koka”.

Forwards: Taher Mohamed Taher, Achraf Bencharki and Sofian Benjedida.

Benjedida’s inclusion gives the Morocco international an opportunity to make an immediate impression against one of Europe’s most prominent clubs. He will lead the line in a front three that also includes Bencharki, his compatriot, and Taher.

Zizo has been given responsibility in the centre of the pitch, while Koka and Attia provide the remainder of Al Ahly’s midfield. Ashour’s absence is likely to draw attention because of the questions currently surrounding his position and future with the club.

The fixture forms part of Al Ahly’s preparations in Spain before their domestic campaign begins. The Egyptian champions will finish their pre-season programme with a high-profile test at Barcelona’s home stadium, with the new season now approaching.

The club also invited supporters to discuss the latest developments and news in greater depth through the Kooora forums.