Farag Amer, the former president of Smouha, sparked controversy with his comments on the performances of Al Ahly’s new attacking duo, Monsef Bougrar and Sofiane Ben Jedda, after expressing his lack of satisfaction with what the two players have offered during the current period and arguing that their performances so far have not matched the expectations surrounding the team’s new signings. ⚽🔥
Farag Amer’s comments came after Al Ahly defeated ZED 2-0 in a match played at Cairo International Stadium in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League, opening a wider discussion about whether the club’s new attacking additions can provide the desired impact for the Red Giants.
Farag Amer: Gradisar Is Better Than the New Duo
Farag Amer said in a comment on his Facebook account that the performances of Monsef Bougrar and Sofiane Ben Jedda had not been convincing, adding that if the pair continue at the same level, Gradisar, the Al Ahly player currently on loan at Ceramica Cleopatra, would be better than them in his opinion.
The statement has opened the door to a wider debate among Al Ahly supporters, particularly because the comparison is not limited to the players’ current performances, but also extends to the effectiveness of the club’s new attacking choices and their ability to quickly adapt to the demands of playing for the Red Castle.
Why Are Al Ahly’s New Signings Being Judged So Early?
Al Ahly’s new signings usually receive significant attention from fans and the media from the moment they arrive, particularly when it comes to the striker position, one of the most sensitive roles within the team.
Monsef Bougrar and Sofiane Ben Jedda are entering the early stages of their Al Ahly experience with high expectations surrounding them, making any decline in performance a subject of immediate discussion among supporters and followers.
However, judging the two strikers after a limited number of matches may require some patience, especially because a new player needs time to adapt to the team’s playing style, movement within the system, and understanding with his teammates, in addition to adjusting to the different nature of competition in the Egyptian league.
Al Ahly Secure an Important Victory Against ZED
Farag Amer’s comments came after Al Ahly secured a 2-0 victory over ZED, earning another three points in their league campaign.
Achraf Bencharki opened the scoring for Al Ahly in the 21st minute, giving his team the advantage during the match, before Taher Mohamed Taher added the second goal in the 60th minute to confirm the Red Giants’ superiority and secure the victory. 🏆
Despite the win and the clean sheet, discussion surrounding the attacking line remained present, as Al Ahly supporters continue to wait for the new strikers to deliver more influential performances, particularly with expectations rising ahead of the rest of the season.
Gradisar.. An Attacking Option Currently Outside the Team?
The comparison with Gradisar also raises questions about the decision to loan him to Ceramica Cleopatra and whether the player could return to Al Ahly in the future and compete for a place in the squad.
Having Gradisar at another club gives him a greater opportunity to receive regular playing time, something that could help him develop his level and gain additional experience, while Al Ahly’s coaching staff will be expected to monitor his progress throughout the loan period.
At the same time, a strong season from the player at Ceramica could intensify comparisons with the new signings, particularly if he manages to produce impressive numbers or performances during the campaign.
Al Ahly’s Next Match
Al Ahly are preparing for their next match against Smouha on Thursday, September 3, at 8:00 PM, at Cairo International Stadium, in the third round of the Egyptian Premier League.
The match will provide another opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the attacking options, while attention will be focused on Bougrar and Ben Jedda to see whether they can provide a practical response on the pitch to the criticism directed at their performances.
At the same time, Al Ahly supporters are waiting for the team to maintain its positive results while improving its attacking performance and seeing the new signings deliver at the level expected of them in the club’s pursuit of trophies. ⭐
Can the New Duo Change the Narrative?
The experiences of Monsef Bougrar and Sofiane Ben Jedda with Al Ahly are still at an early stage, meaning a final judgment on the two signings requires more time and more matches. A striker’s impact is not measured only by goals, but also by movement, creating space, pressing opposing defenses, and his ability to integrate into the team’s system.
🔥 The question now occupying Al Ahly supporters is: Can the new duo respond on the pitch in the upcoming matches, or will Gradisar’s name continue to dominate the comparisons?
Share your opinion.. Do you agree with Farag Amer that Gradisar is better than Bougrar and Ben Jedda so far? ⚽
