Al Ahly Make Seven Changes for CAF Confederation Cup Clash With Kitara
Al Ahly have made seven changes to their starting XI for the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie against Uganda’s Kitara FC. The reshuffle follows the Egyptian giants’ 2-0 victory over Zamalek in a high-profile derby, with coach Hossein Ammouta opting for a different combination as his team begins its continental campaign.
The match is scheduled to take place at Hoima Stadium, where Kitara will look to make home advantage count. For Al Ahly, the fixture presents a new challenge: carry the confidence of a major domestic win into an away tie against opponents who have already shown they can score freely in the competition.
Al Ahly’s starting lineup against Kitara
Mohamed El Shenawy starts in goal, with a back four of Akram Tawfik, Yasser Marei, Achraf Dari and Karim Fouad. Dari continues to anchor the defence, making it three consecutive appearances in the side alongside Marei.
Ammouta has chosen Marwan Attia, Omar El Saei and Mohamed Magdy Afsha for the midfield, while Hussein El Shahat, Taher Mohamed and Moncef Bakrar form the attacking line.
Al Ahly XI: Mohamed El Shenawy; Akram Tawfik, Yasser Marei, Achraf Dari, Karim Fouad; Marwan Attia, Omar El Saei, Mohamed Magdy Afsha; Hussein El Shahat, Taher Mohamed, Moncef Bakrar.
A fresh selection after the derby win
Seven alterations from the team that defeated Zamalek underline Ammouta’s decision to adjust his approach for the Confederation Cup trip. A changed lineup can help distribute playing time across a demanding schedule, while also giving the coach an opportunity to assess different combinations before the tournament reaches its more decisive stages.
The changes do not necessarily signal a reduction in ambition. Al Ahly remain one of the most closely watched clubs in African football, and their supporters will expect the team to take control of the tie. The key will be whether the new-look side can maintain the organisation and composure that helped secure the derby result.
El Shenawy’s presence offers experience in goal, while Dari and Marei provide continuity in central defence. That familiarity could be valuable in an away match, where communication and concentration are often as important as attacking quality. The full-backs, Tawfik and Fouad, will also need to judge when to support the attack without leaving space behind them for Kitara to exploit.
Kitara arrive after convincing aggregate victory
Kitara earned their place in this round by beating Somalia’s Mogadishu City 6-2 on aggregate. They won the first leg 2-1 before delivering a 4-1 victory in the return match, demonstrating an ability to create chances and convert them into goals.
That record makes the Ugandan side more than a routine opponent. Kitara will be encouraged by their recent scoring form and the prospect of playing in front of their home crowd. Their challenge is to turn that momentum into a disciplined performance against a club with considerable continental experience.
For the hosts, an early goal could energise the stadium and put pressure on Al Ahly’s reorganised lineup. But committing too many players forward may leave openings for El Shahat and the other attackers to counter. The balance between pressing and defensive security could therefore shape the first leg.
Match prediction: what Al Ahly need to do
Any football prediction for this tie must account for the difference in experience between the clubs, as well as Kitara’s home advantage and strong aggregate performance in the previous round. Al Ahly will likely aim to control possession, slow the game when necessary and avoid giving the hosts opportunities to build momentum.
Attia and his fellow midfielders will have a central role in that plan. If they can protect the defence, win second balls and move possession forward quickly, Al Ahly’s attackers may find room to threaten. Afsha’s creativity could be especially important against a Kitara side expected to defend with intensity and look for chances on the break.
A cautious start would make sense for the visitors. In a two-leg contest, avoiding costly mistakes can be just as significant as scoring. Al Ahly will want to leave Hoima with a result that gives them a strong platform for the return match, while Kitara will be eager to make the most of their opportunity at home.
What the first leg could reveal
The match will offer an early indication of how effectively Ammouta’s revised selection can function under pressure. The seven changes create a fresh test for the players, particularly in midfield and attack, where timing and coordination are essential. A convincing performance could give the coach useful options for the rest of the campaign; a difficult outing may highlight areas that need greater stability.
For Kitara, the tie is a chance to measure themselves against a major African opponent and strengthen their reputation beyond Uganda. Their progress past Mogadishu City has already provided encouragement, but facing Al Ahly represents a substantial step up in quality and experience.
With the first leg at Hoima Stadium, both teams have clear incentives: Kitara will seek a memorable home result, while Al Ahly will aim to protect their position in the tie and take confidence from their recent derby success. The outcome may depend on whether the visitors’ reshaped XI can impose its rhythm—or whether Kitara’s attacking momentum can unsettle the Egyptian side.
