After three rounds of the Egyptian Premier League, Al-Ahly's new signings have yet to make the expected impact, as their offensive contribution has been limited to a single assist provided by Moroccan player Sofiane Ben Jeddah, while the rest of the newcomers are still searching for an influential appearance in the team's jersey.
Al-Ahly secured victories in their first three league matches, defeating Eastern Company Enppi 3-2 in the first round, then beating ZED 2-0 in the second round, before snatching a crucial 1-0 win against Smouha in the third round.
Despite the ideal start and achieving maximum points, the performance of the new signings has not yet met expectations, placing Hussein Amouta, Al-Ahly's head coach, before an important opportunity during the next two matches prior to the international break.
What has Al-Ahly achieved in the first three rounds?
Al-Ahly scored six goals during the first three rounds, netted by Marwan Attia, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Ashraf Ben Sharqi, Taher Mohamed Taher, and Yasser Ibrahim.
The team conceded only two goals, both during the match against Eastern Company Enppi in the first round, before keeping clean sheets against ZED and Smouha.
Al-Ahly is preparing to play two matches before the international break begins, facing El Mokawloon El Arab next Wednesday, followed by Abu Qir Fertilizers on September 15.
The international break will commence on September 21 and continue until October 6, providing the technical staff with an opportunity to reorganize and evaluate the team's new elements.
Seven New Signings... and One Offensive Contribution
Al-Ahly completed seven transfers during the summer window, signing Sofiane Ben Jeddah, Mounsef Bakrar, Mahmoud Salah, Tawfik Mohamed, Akram Tawfik, Ali Mahmoud, and Aqtay Abdullah.
Among these signings, the trio of Mahmoud Salah, Tawfik Mohamed, and Akram Tawfik have not yet received a single minute of playing time with the team.
Conversely, the quartet of Sofiane Ben Jeddah, Mounsef Bakrar, Ali Mahmoud, and Aqtay Abdullah have participated in all three of Al-Ahly's matches, though their impact on the offensive level remains limited.
Sofiane Ben Jeddah... The Only Exception
Sofiane Ben Jeddah remains the only new signing to leave a mark, having provided an assist for Mohamed Magdy Afsha during Al-Ahly's match against Eastern Company Enppi in the first round.
This assist stands as the sole recorded offensive contribution by Al-Ahly's new signings after three league rounds.
As for Mounsef Bakrar, he has played in all three matches but has neither scored nor assisted any goal so far; the same applies to Ali Mahmoud and Aqtay Abdullah, who have also failed to score or create any goals during the initial rounds.
Two Matches for Amouta to Give New Signings a Greater Chance
With two matches remaining against El Mokawloon El Arab and Abu Qir Fertilizers before the international break, Amouta has a final opportunity prior to the hiatus to test the new elements and grant some of them more playing time, especially those players who have not yet received any minutes.
The upcoming two matches represent more than just new fixtures in Al-Ahly's league campaign; they hold special significance for the new signings to break the ice and leave their first mark, while also giving Amouta the chance to finalize the best possible tactical lineup before the international break.
