Moroccan head coach Hussein Ammouta is putting the final touches on Al Ahly's lineup ahead of the highly anticipated clash against Zamalek on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The match is especially important for Al Ahly, who are aiming to secure all three points and remain firmly in the race for the top of the league table.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff are working to prepare the players and select the most suitable starting lineup.

Al Ahly's expected lineup is gradually becoming clearer, with Ammouta reportedly close to finalizing his central defensive partnership.

However, the battle for the starting striker position remains open between two players.

Defensive Plans

According to media reports, Ammouta has decided to rely on Moroccan defender Achraf Dari alongside Yassin Marei in central defence against Zamalek.

The decision is aimed at strengthening Al Ahly's backline and reducing the attacking threat posed by their rivals.

The coaching staff believe that the partnership could provide the team with greater balance.

Dari brings experience in aerial challenges and physical battles, while Marei can help organize the defence and deal with the movement of opposing forwards.

During the final training session, Ammouta is expected to focus on improving communication between the two defenders, maintaining good positioning inside the penalty area, and dealing with crosses.

The team will also work on recovering its defensive shape quickly after losing possession.

These preparations are particularly important because Al Ahly want to avoid defensive mistakes in a match where small details could decide the final result.

Latest News

Egypt Beach Soccer Team Faces Crucial African Qualifier Against Angola in Bid to Move Closer to QualificationSalah row: Can Hossam Hassan rebuild trust, or should he go?

Al Ahly also faced Petroleum Assiut in the Egyptian Capital Cup on Wednesday, with the coaching staff expected to give several players opportunities, including Yassin Marei and Soufiane Benjdida.

That match was another opportunity to prepare different options ahead of the Zamalek derby.

Striker Battle

In attack, Ammouta has yet to make a final decision on who will lead Al Ahly's frontline against Zamalek, with Algerian striker Monsef Bakrar competing against Moroccan forward Soufiane Benjdida.

Reports suggest that Bakrar is currently the leading candidate to start the match because of his movement inside the penalty area and his ability to convert scoring opportunities.

However, his place in the starting lineup will depend on his physical condition.

The Algerian forward recently joined his national team during the international break and subsequently missed several Al Ahly training sessions, raising questions about his fitness ahead of the derby.

As a result, the coaching staff are closely monitoring his condition before making a final decision.

Meanwhile, Benjdida remains an important alternative for Ammouta, particularly after being among the attacking options considered for the recent Egyptian Capital Cup match against Petroleum Assiut.

The Moroccan striker could start against Zamalek if Bakrar fails to reach full fitness or if the coaching staff believe Benjdida is better prepared for the physical demands of the match.

The final training session is expected to play a major role in determining who starts in attack, while the coaching staff continue preparing all available forwards.

Ammouta hopes to find the right balance between defensive strength and attacking efficiency, knowing that a match against Zamalek requires concentration and the ability to make the most of scoring chances.

Al Ahly will face Zamalek at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday at 8:00 PM local time, with supporters eagerly waiting to discover Ammouta's final lineup and whether the Red Devils can secure an important victory in the Egyptian Premier League.