Al Ahly’s technical staff, led by Emad El-Nahhas—who is currently acting as the head coach of the first football team—has settled on the starting lineup for tonight’s match against Haras El Hodoud. The game will take place at Cairo International Stadium as part of the Egyptian Premier League round fixtures.

The bench features several key players, notably goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, alongside the newly signed keeper Gradischar. Also among the substitutes are attacking trio Hussein El Shahat, Mohamed Magdy “Afsha,” and Ali Maaloul. The bench also includes Karim Nedved, Omar El-Sa’i, Ahmed Reda, and Mostafa El-Ash, reflecting the coaching staff’s recent strategy of squad rotation to give more players opportunities and maintain overall readiness.

Al Ahly’s starting lineup is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Mohamed El-Shennawy

Defense: Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Ahmed Nabil “Koka”

Midfield: Marwan Attia, Amr El-Sulaya, Taher Mohamed Taher, Achraf Bencharki, Imam Ashour

Attack: Wissam Abou Ali, leading the front line

Al Ahly enters the match with high morale after a series of positive domestic results. Meanwhile, Haras El Hodoud is aiming to secure a favorable outcome to improve its position in the league table. The game comes at a critical point in the season, as Al Ahly seeks to maintain pressure on the top teams and reclaim first place amidst an intense title race.

Historically, the two teams have faced off in 34 league encounters since Haras El Hodoud, then known as “El-Sawahil,” was promoted to the top flight in the 1964–1965 season. Their first meeting occurred on November 13 of that same year, with Al Ahly securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal by Helmy Suleiman.

Al Ahly clearly holds the historical advantage, winning 28 matches, drawing 4, and losing just twice. Al Ahly players have scored 61 goals against Haras El Hodoud, conceding only 16—highlighting the significant gap in both offensive and defensive strength over the years.

Al Ahly’s biggest wins over Haras El Hodoud were 4-0 victories, achieved twice—in the 2006–2007 and 2015–2016 seasons. The team also recorded a 4-2 win in 2005–2006 and has won 3-0 on four occasions. Haras El Hodoud’s largest victory came in the 2012–2013 season, defeating Al Ahly 3-0.

Al Ahly’s top scorer in these matchups is Emad Meteb, who has netted eight goals and played a major role in the club’s dominance in this fixture.

From a tactical perspective, the match carries significant weight for Al Ahly’s coaching staff. They’re relying on players like Bencharki and Imam Ashour to provide creative and attacking flair, while Wissam Abou Ali aims to prove himself as a consistent starting striker after a string of sporadic appearances since joining the team.

The coaching staff is also testing new names on the bench, such as Gradischar—recently added to the squad and expected to gradually earn his chance in future matches—as well as young talents like Omar El-Sa’i and Ahmed Reda, who are being integrated into the first team as part of a long-term development plan.

This match is one in a series of fixtures through which Al Ahly hopes to maintain its upward momentum, particularly as several decisive league rounds approach. Fans will closely watch both the team’s fitness and performance, and how effectively the interim coach can use his available resources, whether in the starting XI or through impactful substitutions.

It’s worth noting that this match comes just days ahead of Al Ahly’s anticipated CAF Champions League fixture, which requires the coaching staff to strike a balance between deploying their strongest lineup and resting key players ahead of upcoming continental commitments.

All eyes will be on Cairo International Stadium tonight, with expectations high for a strong showing from Al Ahly—and a determined Haras El Hodoud side fighting for a positive result against the African champions.