Ahmed Shobier gave a positive assessment of Al Ahly’s experience against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy despite the Egyptian club’s 2-1 defeat, stressing that the match represented an important test before the start of the new season. ⚽
Shobier believes that playing against a club of Barcelona’s stature and at a high European level gave Al Ahly an important opportunity to gain valuable experience. He also praised Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored one of Barcelona’s goals during the match.
⭐ Shobier: A Very Useful Experience for Al Ahly
Ahmed Shobier wrote on his official Facebook account that the Barcelona match was a “very useful experience for Al Ahly,” particularly against one of the strongest teams in the world.
The broadcaster noted that Al Ahly’s performance varied between the two halves, explaining that the team did not maintain the same level throughout the 90 minutes but managed to produce a late reaction in the second half that gave them hope of coming back into the game.
The experience also gives Al Ahly’s coaching staff an important opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses before entering official competition, particularly because facing a team with Barcelona’s capabilities can reveal tactical details that may not appear as clearly against domestic opponents. 🔥
⚽ Al Ahly Improve in the Second Half
Barcelona started the match strongly and managed to impose its style during the first half, benefiting from quick ball movement and pressure on Al Ahly’s players.
Hamza Abdelkarim opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 29th minute, taking advantage of his opportunity to put the Catalan side ahead before Brazilian Raphinha doubled the advantage from the penalty spot during the first half.
Despite trailing by two goals, Al Ahly looked better after the break and began moving more positively toward Barcelona’s goal. Ahmed Mostafa Zizo eventually scored Al Ahly’s only goal to reduce the deficit.
The goal gave the Egyptian club an important boost and made the final minutes more exciting as Al Ahly searched for an equalizer, but Barcelona managed to maintain its advantage until the final whistle.
🇪🇬 Shobier Proud of Hamza Abdelkarim
Hamza Abdelkarim received special praise from Ahmed Shobier after the Egyptian youngster continued to attract attention during his preseason appearances with Barcelona.
Shobier expressed his pride in the player and wished him success in the next stage of his career, particularly because scoring against Al Ahly in a major match such as the Joan Gamper Trophy represents an important milestone at the beginning of his journey with the Spanish club.
This performance gives Hamza a valuable opportunity to prove himself to Barcelona’s coaching staff, especially as competition for a place in the first team is expected to be extremely strong.
Scoring against Al Ahly also carries special significance for Egyptian fans, who are following the youngster’s development and hoping to see him continue his progress in European football. ✨
🏆 Al Ahly Complete Preseason Before the League
The Barcelona match came at the end of Al Ahly’s overseas training camp in Spain, where the team played several friendly matches as part of its preparations for the new season.
The coaching staff hope to use the European experience to prepare the players and improve their understanding before official competition begins, particularly as the team aims to compete for the Egyptian Premier League title and bring the trophy back to Al Jazira.
Shobier believes Al Ahly’s overall preseason was good despite some fluctuations in performance during certain matches, which is understandable during a period in which the coaching staff are trying to find the best lineup and playing style.
📢 Al Ahly Turn Their Attention to the League
After the Barcelona match, Al Ahly’s focus now turns toward the Egyptian Premier League, with the team preparing to play Eastern Company Enppi in the opening round.
The match will take place at 8:00 PM next Sunday, August 23, at Cairo International Stadium.
The real challenge for Al Ahly will be to translate the lessons learned during preseason into strong performances in official matches, particularly because competing for the league title requires consistency and stability rather than excellence in a single game.
Ultimately, the Barcelona match provided Al Ahly with a valuable experience ahead of the new season, while Hamza Abdelkarim’s performance represents another positive moment in the young Egyptian’s career. With Al Ahly preparing for the domestic competition and Hamza aiming to establish himself in Europe, the coming period promises plenty of challenges and opportunities. 🏆🔥
Do you expect Hamza Abdelkarim to continue his impressive form with Barcelona? And do you think Al Ahly benefited enough from facing the Spanish giants? Share your opinion and predictions. 📢⚽
