Al Ahly are considering changes to their team selection after a disappointing 3-3 draw against Al Qanah, with coach Hussein Ammouta expected to reassess several players as the Egyptian champions seek to get their season back on track.
The result, which came at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League, has sparked frustration within the club and raised fresh concerns about the team’s performances under the Moroccan coach.
The dropped points have increased fears that Al Ahly could struggle to reclaim the league title, while their ambitions of returning to the top of African football and competing again at the Club World Cup remain important priorities.
There is also growing dissatisfaction over the performances of several established players and the lack of intensity shown by the team. However, despite the concerns surrounding Ammouta’s leadership, the club’s management is keen to maintain stability rather than make an immediate change in the dugout.
An Al Ahly source told WinWin that the draw against Al Qanah could prove to be a significant moment in the club’s campaign, prompting the coaching staff to reconsider their assessment of certain players and review their selection decisions for the remainder of the season.
The source said the result had opened the door for changes in the team’s approach, with some players potentially facing increased competition for places as the technical staff look for ways to improve performances.
Ammouta’s plans extend beyond the Kitara match
The source stressed that the possible changes should not be judged solely by Al Ahly’s upcoming match against Uganda’s Kitara in the second leg of the final preliminary round of the African Confederation Cup, scheduled for next Sunday.
According to the source, the coaching staff had already planned to give several players an opportunity to feature in that fixture before the draw against Al Qanah.
Consequently, the team selected for the Kitara encounter will not necessarily provide a clear indication of the longer-term adjustments Ammouta is considering. The decision to rest some players and give others more playing time had been discussed before Wednesday’s disappointing result.
The more significant changes could emerge in the matches that follow, as the coaching staff assess the squad and consider different options in several positions.
Akram Tawfik and El Shenawy among possible changes
Akram Tawfik could be considered for a return to the right-back position after the Kitara match, according to the source, as Ammouta examines alternatives in an effort to improve the team’s performances.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy is also being considered for a return to the starting line-up, potentially giving the experienced player another opportunity to establish himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The defensive positions are also under review, with the coaching staff weighing up different combinations at centre-back.
Hadi Riad could be brought into the starting side alongside Ashraf Dari, while Yasser Ibrahim is another option being considered for a role in central defence.
The availability of these alternatives would give Ammouta greater flexibility when deciding how to organise his defence in the coming matches.
The potential adjustments reflect the coaching staff’s intention to reassess their options following the setback against Al Qanah, although the source did not indicate that any of the changes had been finalised.
Imam Ashour warned after disappointing display
Imam Ashour has also been warned that he must improve his performances in the coming weeks as Al Ahly attempt to recover from their latest disappointment.
The source said the midfielder had been reminded of the need to rediscover his best form and deliver the level of performance expected of him, particularly as the club looks to its senior players to help restore confidence and return the team to winning ways.
Ashour has faced increasing criticism over his performances in recent months, with his form reportedly declining significantly since he extended his contract with Al Ahly until the summer of 2028.
His recent displays have attracted widespread attention and added to the concerns surrounding the team’s overall performance.
Al Ahly’s immediate priority will be to respond to the disappointment against Al Qanah, but the draw has also placed renewed focus on the players Ammouta trusts and the changes he may make in the weeks ahead.
With the club determined to maintain stability in the coaching position, the coming matches could prove important in determining whether the Moroccan coach can improve performances and put Al Ahly back on course to achieve their season’s objectives.
