Al-Ahly’s pre-season camp in Spain could prove decisive for six players whose futures at the Egyptian club remain uncertain.
The camp, which runs until 20 August, represents an important opportunity for Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Omar El-Saai, Ahmed Khaled Kabaka, Mohamed Raafat, Omar Sayed Moawad and Ahmed Eid to demonstrate to new manager Hussein Ammouta that they deserve to remain part of his plans.
Moroccan coach Ammouta has taken charge ahead of the new season after replacing Dane Jess Torup, who left following a campaign in which Al-Ahly lost most of the competitions they entered.
With the squad undergoing assessment before the new campaign, the six players arrive in Spain with different circumstances but the same objective: convince Ammouta.
For some, the camp represents a chance to revive careers that have stalled. For others, it is an opportunity to establish themselves after loan spells or limited opportunities.
Afsha looking to revive Al-Ahly career
Afsha’s situation stands out because of the special relationship he has developed with both the club’s supporters and its management.
The midfielder played a decisive role in Al-Ahly’s 2020 African Champions League triumph against Zamalek, scoring the winning goal in a match that became known as the “final of the century”.
Despite that history, Afsha’s position is no longer guaranteed.
He spent time on loan at Al-Ittihad Alexandria before returning to Al-Ahly and has one year remaining on his current contract. The club has not yet opened discussions over a renewal.
Afsha had previously appeared close to leaving the club, but was given another opportunity to remain.
The Spain camp could therefore be particularly significant as he attempts to convince Ammouta that he can recover his previous influence and remain an important member of the team.
Kabaka gets another opportunity
Ahmed Khaled Kabaka is facing a different challenge.
The young midfielder has spent recent periods on loan, first with Modern Sport and then Zed, before returning to Al-Ahly.
This time, the club has decided to retain him.
Kabaka also has strong backing from Sayed Abdel Hafeez, an Al-Ahly board member and commissioner responsible for the football sector.
Abdel Hafeez believes in the midfielder’s potential and has pushed for him to remain at the club.
More than four offers were reportedly made for Kabaka during the transfer period, but they were rejected in order to give the player a genuine opportunity to establish himself at Al-Ahly.
The Spanish camp could now determine whether that confidence is justified.
Raafat faces important test
Mohamed Raafat, who can operate in several attacking positions, is another player hoping to make an impression.
Two factors have helped him remain with the squad for now.
The first is the club’s shortage of options in the centre-forward position. The second is interest from several clubs in signing him, which has encouraged Al-Ahly to delay making a final decision over his future.
That uncertainty means the Spain camp could be one of the most important periods of Raafat’s career.
He will need to use training sessions and friendly matches to gain Ammouta’s trust and show that he can compete for a place in the attacking line.
Moawad hoping to overcome injuries
For Omar Sayed Moawad, the main obstacle has been injuries.
The winger is regarded as possessing considerable technical ability, but repeated fitness problems have disrupted his progress and limited his opportunities.
His injury problems also affected his chance to pursue professional football in the Spanish league.
Moawad will now hope the current pre-season represents a fresh start.
A strong performance during the camp and in friendly matches could change his position within Ammouta’s plans and give him a greater opportunity to compete for a place in the team.
Eid fighting for right-back position
Right-back Ahmed Eid is also under pressure to prove himself.
Since joining Al-Ahly from Al-Masry Al-Portsaidi in January, Eid has not produced the level of performance expected of him.
He is now attempting to use the Spanish camp to change that perception.
Eid is working to impress Ammouta during both training and friendly matches and demonstrate that he deserves to stay and compete for a starting position.
The challenge is particularly important because competition for places is expected to be intense once the season begins.
120 minutes save El-Saai
Omar El-Saai’s situation is perhaps the most unusual of the six.
The midfielder appeared close to leaving Al-Ahly permanently for Al-Masry Al-Portsaidi in a deal reportedly worth 30 million Egyptian pounds, with another 10 million pounds available in bonuses.
However, his future changed after Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan reached an agreement to join Qatari club Al-Shamal.
That development led Ammouta to decide that El-Saai should remain at Al-Ahly.
The midfielder therefore has another chance to establish himself, but simply being retained does not guarantee a place in the team.
He faces strong competition for midfield positions and must turn Ammouta’s decision to keep him into performances on the pitch.
Spain camp offers chance to reset
For all six players, the Spanish camp represents an opportunity to begin again under a new manager.
Ammouta has yet to make final decisions on several squad positions, giving those on the fringes an opportunity to influence his thinking through their performances.
The situation is particularly important because the new season will leave limited room for players who fail to establish themselves quickly.
Afsha is attempting to revive his influence, Kabaka is seeking to justify the club’s faith in him, Raafat is competing for an attacking role, Moawad is trying to overcome his injury problems, Eid is fighting for his place at right-back and El-Saai is looking to make the most of an unexpected reprieve.
The Spanish camp may not guarantee any of them a place in Ammouta’s starting XI, but it provides what they need most: an opportunity to prove themselves.
For six Al-Ahly players, the coming weeks could determine whether they remain part of the club’s next chapter or begin looking for another destination.
