Youssef Belamri’s Debut: Al Ahly Win & Player Stats | Egyptian League

Moroccan international Youssef Belamri made his long-awaited debut for Al Ahly on Wednesday, appearing in the Egyptian Premier League clash against Ismaily. The match, a postponed fixture from the 14th round of the 2025-2026 season, saw Al Ahly secure a 2-0 victory at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

Tunisian star Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan opened the scoring for Al Ahly in the 31st minute, with Yassin Marei doubling the lead in the 42nd minute before halftime. The win elevates Al Ahly to 30 points, placing them third in the Egyptian Premier League standings, while Ismaily remains at the bottom with just 10 points.

Belamri’s Debut: A Measured Introduction

Al Ahly coach Jes Thorup opted to introduce Belamri as a substitute in the 70th minute, marking his first appearance for the club since joining from Raja Casablanca in January. His arrival had been anticipated, but the club previously stated his absence from earlier matches was due to a need to achieve full physical readiness following the transfer.

During his 21-minute stint on the pitch, Belamri demonstrated a promising performance, integrating himself into the team’s dynamics. He completed 39 passes, with a 90% success rate (27 accurate passes), and touched the ball 39 times. He made one successful tackle and recovered possession twice.

Defensively, Belamri proved solid, winning one ground duel out of four attempted. He wasn’t dribbled past once during his time on the field, and committed two fouls. While he didn’t register any shots on goal, his presence added another dimension to Al Ahly’s left side.

The Danish coach, Jes Thorup, commented on Belamri’s inclusion, stating he was pleased to give the player an opportunity when he was ready, and specifically congratulated Belamri on his debut. This suggests a careful and considered approach to integrating the new signing into the squad.

Belamri’s transfer to Al Ahly was finalized during the winter transfer window, with the club aiming to bolster their options on the left flank as they navigate a busy schedule encompassing multiple competitions. He signed a three-and-a-half-season deal with the Egyptian giants.

Prior to the move, there was reported negotiation between Al Ahly and Raja Casablanca to buy out the remaining six months of Belamri’s contract. The transfer was seen as a significant acquisition for Al Ahly, adding a seasoned international player to their ranks.

The victory over Ismaily provides a boost for Al Ahly as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including their CAF Champions League commitments. The team will be looking to build on this positive result and maintain their momentum throughout the remainder of the season.

Ismaily, meanwhile, continue to struggle at the bottom of the league table. Their performance against Al Ahly highlighted the challenges they face in their bid to avoid relegation. The team will need to significantly improve their form if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

Belamri’s debut represents a positive step for both the player and Al Ahly. While it was a relatively brief appearance, it provided a glimpse of his potential contribution to the team. As he continues to build his fitness and adapt to his new surroundings, he is expected to play an increasingly important role for Al Ahly in the coming months.