Al Ahly’s first football team are preparing for a competitive match against Smouha in the third round of the Egyptian Premier League, with significant attention surrounding the lineup expected to be selected by the coaching staff, particularly amid plans to make several changes to the starting XI. ⚽🔴🔥
The expected changes come as Al Ahly continue searching for the best possible combination at the beginning of the season while trying to maximize the abilities of all available players, especially with fixtures arriving in quick succession.
According to the latest lineup indications, Emam Ashour is close to returning to the Al Ahly starting XI against Smouha, while Ahmed Mostafa Zizo could be deployed as a right winger.
Emam Ashour Nears a Starting Return
Emam Ashour appears close to earning a place in Al Ahly’s starting lineup against Smouha after not featuring in the team’s starting XI during the opening two league matches.
His potential return comes as the coaching staff look to benefit from his qualities in midfield. Ashour can operate in several areas, contribute to buildup play and reach dangerous attacking positions, giving Al Ahly an additional attacking option. ⭐
His presence could provide an important boost as Al Ahly look to increase their attacking effectiveness and exert greater control over matches.
Taher Mohamed Could Drop to the Bench
If Emam Ashour returns to the starting lineup, current indications suggest that Taher Mohamed Taher could be the player to move out of the starting XI.
However, this would not necessarily mean that Taher has been removed from the coaching staff’s plans, particularly because the season is still long and Al Ahly will need all of their squad members.
Taher can play in several attacking positions and remains an important option who can be used either from the beginning or during the second half depending on the circumstances of each match.
The player is expected to remain part of the coaching staff’s plans even if he does not start against Smouha. 🔥
Zizo Could Play on the Right Wing
The second potential change involves Ahmed Mostafa Zizo, who could feature as a right winger against Smouha.
The coaching staff are considering the position in order to maximize his abilities, particularly his pace, movement along the flanks, chance creation and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area.
Zizo can also shoot from distance and take set pieces, giving him several attacking responsibilities that could benefit Al Ahly during the match. 🎯
His presence on the right flank could provide the team with additional solutions against Smouha, particularly if the opposition sits deep and reduces the available space.
Why Are Al Ahly Considering Changes?
The expected adjustments are part of the ongoing process of selecting the strongest possible lineup, particularly as the coaching staff continue assessing the qualities of their players and identifying the positions where each member can perform at his best.
The fixture schedule also makes rotation important to maintain the physical and technical readiness of the squad.
The coaching staff are also looking to balance the stability provided by positive results with the introduction of new solutions that could give the team additional strength.
Al Ahly Target a Third Consecutive Victory
Al Ahly enter the Smouha match in good spirits after winning their opening two Egyptian Premier League matches.
The team will look to maintain that strong start and secure a third consecutive victory in order to preserve their perfect points record and remain among the leading contenders.
The coaching staff will also seek to take advantage of the players’ positive momentum while addressing any technical issues that appeared during the previous matches. 🏆
Smouha Provide Another Test
The match against Smouha will not be easy because the visitors will also be determined to produce a positive result.
Al Ahly will need to approach the game with maximum concentration, particularly because early-season matches are important for building confidence and collecting points.
The fixture will also provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess whether the expected lineup changes can succeed and whether the players can execute their assigned roles effectively.
Fans Await the Lineup Surprise
Al Ahly supporters are eagerly waiting for the official starting lineup against Smouha, particularly amid reports of Emam Ashour’s potential return and Zizo’s possible move to the right wing.
The coaching staff’s selections are receiving considerable attention because changes in player positions can directly influence the team’s attacking structure and its ability to create danger in the final third.
Al Ahly fans will hope that the adjustments can increase attacking effectiveness and create more opportunities. 🔴⚽
Competition for Places Continues
The expected changes highlight the intense competition among Al Ahly players for starting positions throughout the current season.
Having a large group of talented players gives the coaching staff multiple options but also requires every player to work consistently to maintain his place.
The Smouha match could represent a new beginning for some players seeking greater opportunities, including Emam Ashour, while Taher Mohamed Taher will remain a strong option available to the coaching staff.
Al Ahly vs Smouha Match Date
Al Ahly will face Smouha on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 8:00 PM Cairo time, in the third round of the Egyptian Premier League.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the official lineup to see whether the reported changes are implemented, particularly regarding Emam Ashour and Zizo.
The main objective for Al Ahly will be securing three points and maintaining their positive start to the league campaign. 🏆🔥
An Opportunity to Confirm a Strong Start
The Smouha match provides Al Ahly with another opportunity to demonstrate their ability to compete strongly throughout the season, particularly after winning their opening two matches.
The success of the expected changes will depend on whether the team can turn them into genuine impact on the pitch through possession, chance creation and goals.
✨ Al Ahly enter the Smouha match with potential lineup changes, most notably Emam Ashour’s possible return to the starting XI and Zizo’s potential deployment on the right wing, as the team seeks greater attacking strength and another victory.
📢 Do you support Emam Ashour returning to the starting XI against Smouha? Do you think the right-wing position suits Zizo at Al Ahly? Share your opinion and predicted lineup in the comments. 🔴⚽🔥
