Surprises on Al Ahly’s Bench: Ben Sharqi and Dieng Left Out of Starting Lineup Against Palmeiras
Al Ahly faces Palmeiras in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a strong starting lineup and standout substitutes, including Ben Sharqi and Dieng.
Egyptian side Al Ahly is set for a highly anticipated clash against Brazil’s Palmeiras in the second round of Group A at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States.
The match kicks off at 7:00 PM Cairo time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, drawing significant fan interest and widespread media coverage both in Egypt and internationally, given the importance of the game and the stature of both teams on their respective continents.
Al Ahly’s Official Starting Line-up vs. Palmeiras:
Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy
Defense: Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Achraf Dari, Yahia Attiyat Allah
Midfield: Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Ahmed Sayed Zizo
Attack: Wissam Abou Ali
This line-up reflects head coach José Ribeiro’s intent to rely on the most in-form players, with strong substitutes available to impact the game when needed.
Al Ahly’s Bench vs. Palmeiras:
Mostafa Shobeir, Gradischar, Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Hussein El Shahat, Achraf Bencharki, Aliou Dieng, Karim El Debes, Khaled Abdel Fattah, Omar Kamal Abdel Wahed, Mostafa El Ash, Ahmed Reda, Ahmed Ramadan Beckham.

Notably, key names such as Bencharki, Dieng, and Afsha are not in the starting XI, offering Al Ahly strong options for the second half.
Al Ahly’s Goal: Maintain Momentum and Advance
Al Ahly is aiming for a positive result to strengthen its position in the group and edge closer to a semi-final spot. A win in this match would be a major step toward continuing their global journey, while Palmeiras looks to bounce back and reclaim form after recent results.
Excitement is running high in New Jersey, with Egyptian fans expecting a spirited performance from Al Ahly that reflects the club’s proud history on the international stage.
Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed, Al Ahly’s star player, continues his special fitness program inside the gym as he aims to reach his best physical condition before the start of the Egyptian League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions.
Zamalek goalkeeper Mehdi Soliman sent a special message to former sporting director John Edward, praising his efforts during his time at the club amid the administrative changes before the new season.
The Spanish La Liga has announced new regulations regarding goalkeepers as part of its efforts to reduce time-wasting and improve the pace of matches, especially during crucial moments.
After the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Southeast Asian national teams have already started preparing for the 2030 tournament, with ambitious development plans led by Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.



