Al Ahly are preparing for one of the most important friendlies of their pre-season when they face Spanish giants Barcelona on Wednesday, August 19, at Spotify Camp Nou in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

For head coach Hussein Ammouta, however, the game is much more than a high-profile exhibition match. It represents a major opportunity to assess his squad and identify the players who are closest to securing starting positions ahead of the new season, especially after several changes to the squad during the summer transfer window.

Ammouta Shapes His Starting XI and Prioritizes Readiness

Several players appear to have secured their places in Ammouta’s expected lineup, including Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Marwan Attia, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Achraf Bencharki, Monsef Bekrar and Algerian forward Sofiane Bendjigida.

The left-back position remains one of the main areas of competition, with Karim Fouad and Ahmed Nabil Kouka still competing for the starting role. Other positions are also being closely evaluated after strong competition throughout Al Ahly’s training camp in Spain.

Zizo has emerged as one of the players attracting Ammouta’s attention, particularly after performing impressively in central midfield. The coach appears keen to maximize the players’ abilities by adapting their roles to the team’s needs rather than relying solely on their traditional positions.

This approach also reflects Ammouta’s message to his players during the training camp: selection will not be based on reputation or history, but on physical and technical readiness and the ability to execute tactical instructions.

Hany Faces Yamal as Emam Ashour Becomes a Key Attacking Option

Al Ahly’s technical staff are paying particular attention to the area where Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal operates. The young Spanish star impressed in Barcelona’s latest friendly against Basel, scoring from the penalty spot and contributing to a 5-2 victory.

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With Mohamed Hany expected to feature in Al Ahly’s defensive line, the right-back could face a major challenge against one of Barcelona’s most dangerous attacking players. He is also expected to receive support from the midfield and wide players in an attempt to limit Yamal’s movement and influence.

Emam Ashour is also expected to play an important role in midfield. His ability to connect the lines, move forward and create danger through powerful shooting and quick transitions could make him one of Al Ahly’s main attacking weapons.

The match carries additional significance because it marks Al Ahly’s first appearance in the Joan Gamper Trophy and the first time an Egyptian or African club has participated in the competition.

Barcelona enter the game after completing their preparations with a convincing 5-2 victory over Basel, while Al Ahly will use the match as the final major test of their Spanish training camp before returning to Egypt.

After the Barcelona clash, Ammouta will turn his attention to the opening league fixture against ENPPI on August 23.

For Al Ahly, therefore, the Camp Nou encounter could prove to be far more than a friendly. It is Ammouta’s final major opportunity to fine-tune his ideas, test his squad against elite opposition and establish the core of the team that will begin the new season.