Al Ahly’s Quiet Explanation for Shennawy’s Absence Against Eagle Nwar
24 October 2025
Why Shennawy Was Absent
Al Ahly’s football director, Walid Salahuddin, stated that Mohamed Shennawy did not feature against Eagle Nwar in the CAF Champions League because he is battling a heavy fatigue accompanied by a cold. The decision was made to protect the goalkeeper’s health and ensure he returns to peak form as soon as possible.
The coaching staff chose to grant the captain a period of rest to allow a full, proper recovery rather than risk a longer layoff later in the calendar. In football terms, it’s the kind of benching that saves more minutes for the player than a spare tire saves for a car in a parade—conservative, but effective.
The rest plan aligns with the team’s broader approach: manage fitness, prevent setbacks, and keep key players ready for the next challenges on the horizon. In short, no drama, just smart squad management.
Ashour's Health Update
The discussion also touched on Imam Ashour, who is currently undergoing another round of medical checks to determine when he can rejoin full training with the group. A fresh round of bloodwork and monitoring is underway to chart his return.
Ashour had been sidelined for a significant period after imaging and subsequent tests suggested a health issue that required isolation and careful medical supervision. The club has emphasized a controlled rehabilitation plan tailored to his recovery pace.
Sources close to the team indicated that Ashour is committed to a comprehensive treatment and nutrition program, conducted privately to minimize any pressure while he heals. The medical team remains hopeful about a safe, steady return to competitive action.
Squad, Tactics, and the Cairo Return Leg
On the tactical front, the coaching staff is weighing a few changes for the second leg, following the victory in the first match. The head coach, a Danish strategist, is said to be considering up to three adjustments while preserving the core that delivered the win.
In terms of personnel, 20 players traveled with the team for the match and were in camp ahead of the late kickoff. The list includes a mix of seasoned performers and younger prospects, underscoring the club’s rotation policy ahead of a busy spell that also features a league fixture against Pirouet next week.
Specifically, the plan could see Mustafa Shobier, Taher Mohamed Taher, and Ahmed Abdallah contending for starting roles, as the staff looks to balance freshness with continuity. The aim is to keep the spine intact while refreshing certain positions to maintain intensity across back-to-back games.
During a technical meeting held in Cairo, organizers confirmed the match logistics: Ahly will wear their traditional red home kit with white shorts and red socks, while Eagle Nwar will line up in white with black accents and yellow goalkeeper kits. The preparation was described as meticulous, with safety and security measures aligned with CAF guidelines and the venue’s requirements.
In short, Al Ahly is managing fatigue, monitoring Ashour’s progress, and fielding a flexible squad that can adapt to the moment. The stage is set for a competitive return leg in a competition that never fails to deliver drama.
Summary punchlines for a light finish: If football had a reset button, Al Ahly would press it for Shennawy’s energy. And if patience were a goalkeeper, the club would hire a squad full of it—not just for Ashour, but for every healthy player hoping to prove a point on the field.
