Juan Garrido, has officially announced a squad for the African Super Cup match against Champions League winners Algeria’s ES Setif on Saturday.
The Egyptians who won the CAF Confederation Cup are set to fly to Algeria Thursday for the important event.
Midfielder Mohamed Rizk has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury, while playmaker Islam Roshdy is finalising his military duties and will also not be able to play.
Ethiopian striker Saladin Said has also been left out due to tactical reasons, while goalie Ahmed Adel and left winger Hussein El-Sayed have returned after recovering from injuries.
Newly-joined midfielder Moemen Zakareya and Nigerian forward Peter Ebimobowei have made it to the squad after the latter was doubtful due to a hamstring injury he picked up during Ittihad El-Shorta Premier League game on 7 February.
The record holders, Ahly, are bidding for their seventh African Super Cup but are expected not to celebrate out of respect for their rivals Zamalek, whose fans were victims of the Air Defense Stadium disaster in which at least 20 died on 8 February. Subsequently, domestic football activities have been suspended.
“We don’t deny the match will be difficult especially as it being held on the opponent’s arena but we are determined to win no matter what circumstances. We play to win for our continental reputation,” Ahly football Director Wael Gomaa was quoted as saying by Al-Ahram Al-Reyady, Wednesday.
The Red Castle are also the CAF Champions League record holders with eight trophies but lost their last season’s bid to win the Cup and are now eyeing the Super to maintain African supremacy.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sherif Ekrami and Ahmed Adel, Mossaad Awad.
Defenders: Mohamed Naguib, Saad Samir, Sherif Hazem, Bassem Ali, Sabri Rahil and Hussein El-Sayed.
Midfielders: Hossam Ghaly, Hossam Ashour, Abdallah El-Said, Ramadan Sobhi, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” and Moemen Zakareya.
Forwards: Emad Meteb, Ahmed Abdel-Zaher, Peter Ebimobowei and Karim Bambo
