Cairo, Egypt – Al Ahly’s head coach Jes Torp announced his squad for Wednesday’s Egyptian Premier League match against Ismaily at Borg El Arab Stadium, with the Red Eagles aiming to end a recent slump and strengthen their push toward the title. Several first‑team regulars will be missing, offering opportunities to newer faces and rotation players to make their mark in one of Egypt’s biggest domestic fixtures.
Al Ahly sit fourth in the league with 27 points from 14 games, while Ismaily are struggling in the relegation zone with only 10 points, making this encounter critical for both teams for different reasons.
Torp’s Squad List: Mix of Experience and Youth
Coach Jes Torp opted for a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh options to challenge struggling Ismaily. The squad reflects both tactical planning and unavoidable absences due to injuries and suspensions.
Al Ahly’s squad for the match includes:
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Goalkeepers: Mohamed El‑Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Hamza Alaa
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Defenders: Yassin Marei, Ahmed Ramadan Beckham, Yasser Ibrahim, Karіm Fouad, Mohamed Hany
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Midfielders: Aliou Dieng, Marwan Attia, Taher Mohamed Taher, Hussein El Shahat, Achraf Bencharki
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Attackers: Wilson Kamouish, Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Shoukry, Marwan Osman, Youssef Belamri
Youssef Belamri’s inclusion is a notable development ahead of the match, marking his first squad appearance after joining from Raja Club Athletic in the winter transfer window. His arrival adds depth to Al Ahly’s attacking options.
Meanwhile, Angolan forward Wilson Kamouish is expected to lead the line, potentially in his first start for the club after joining on loan from Tromsø, giving Jes Torp a new attacking option in place of sidelined stars.
Key Absences Impacting Al Ahly’s Lineup
Al Ahly will be without several key players for this fixture:
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Ahmed Eid is suspended after accumulating yellow cards in previous matches.
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Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” are sidelined with muscular injuries, leaving gaps in wide attacking areas.
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Emam Ashour’s absence continues, as he serves a disciplinary suspension and is unavailable for selection.
The absence of Trezeguet and Zizo limits Torp’s choices on the flanks, forcing him to call on rotation players to provide pace and creativity. Ashour’s absence in midfield also deprives the team of one of its most influential performers in central areas.
Tactical Stakes in an Important League Game
This match comes at a crucial point in the Egyptian League season. Al Ahly’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a string of draws and mixed results in both domestic and continental competitions. They have drawn multiple league matches and failed to secure wins in recent outings, testing their momentum as title contenders.
Ismaily, by contrast, are at the bottom of the league standings and have struggled to find consistent form, losing several matches in succession and failing to score many goals, particularly in away games.
Al Ahly’s coach is expected to set up his team to control midfield and exploit the wings, compensating for the absence of key attackers by rotating his squad. If Kamouish starts, it could signal a shift toward fresh attacking ideas to break down Ismaily’s defense. The Red Eagles also gain added energy from midfield depth, giving them multiple paths to goal.
Ismaily’s Preparation and Motivation
Ismaily have wrapped up their training ahead of the match with high spirits, despite their challenging league position. The team has focused on physical readiness and tactical organization to frustrate Al Ahly’s rhythm and capitalize on set‑piece situations where possible.
Their coach, Tarek El Ashry, has encouraged his squad to fight for every point as they battle to climb out of the relegation zone. While the statistical gap between the teams is wide, single‑match intensity can produce surprises if the underdog shows discipline and ambition.
Key Players to Watch on Matchday
With several key starters absent for Al Ahly, attention will fall on those stepping up:
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Youssef Belamri brings fresh legs and a goal threat from forward lines after his winter move.
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Wilson Kamouish carries the expectation to lead the attack and create opportunities with his pace.
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Aliou Dieng and Marwan Attia will be central to controlling the midfield and setting tempo.
For Ismaily, survival instincts and tactical discipline could make their forward players essential if the team is to find a way to clash with one of Egypt’s most successful clubs.
Fan Reaction and Social Buzz
As the match approaches, fans and pundits are already discussing Al Ahly’s squad choices on social media platforms, with many excited about Belamri’s first outing and curious to see how Torp adjusts the team amid absences. Some supporters are using hashtags related to the match to voice their predictions and hopes for a dominant Al Ahly performance.
The game has captured attention beyond Cairo, with Egyptian football fans across the continent tuning in to follow their teams’ fortunes and debate tactical decisions.
This match is shaping up as a test of depth, adaptability and leadership within the squad as Al Ahly seek to reaffirm their title ambitions and maintain pressure on the league leaders.
