Ramadan adjustments for Iba Ly and Amuzu in Juventude v Grêmio semi-final | OneFootball

Sunday’s Gauchão 2026 semi-final at Alfredo Jaconi pits Juventude against Grêmio, with Muslim duo Iba Ly and Amuzu observing Ramadan.

According to Globo.com, Ramadan began on 17 February and runs until 19 March, with total fasting from sunrise to sunset. On Sunday they can eat only twice, Suhoor by 6:15 local time and Iftar after 19:11, which is also forecast to fall around half-time of the 18:00 kick-off.

The pair may use half-time and second-half stoppages for hydration and energy foods. Amuzu starts in Grêmio’s attack, while Juventude midfielder Iba Ly begins on the bench.

Both clubs have built programmes that respect Islamic practice, introducing gradual tweaks to session loads and to meal and sleep schedules before the month begins.

Ghana-born and a Belgian citizen, Amuzu is in his second season in Brazil, having arrived in Porto Alegre during Ramadan 2025 and kept the tradition. Grêmio follow a UEFA protocol that favours slow-digesting carbohydrates and healthy fats at dawn, plus moderated strength work and climate monitoring to limit sweating.

After sunset, fast-digesting carbohydrates such as banana, grapes and potatoes, alongside protein and robust rehydration, are recommended.

Senegal’s Iba Ly has spent five years in Brazilian football with São Paulo, Inter de Limeira and Retrô. On his arrival in Caxias do Sul, Juventude and the midfielder aligned his Ramadan routine with input from fitness coaches, physiologists and nutritionists.

Source: Globo.com