Experts' opinion: Shobair or El Shenawy, who will guard Al Ahly's goal against Espérance?

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Foot Africa

·13 marzo 2026

Experts' opinion: Shobair or El Shenawy, who will guard Al Ahly's goal against Espérance?

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Shobair or El Shenawy, who will guard Al Ahly's goal against Espérance?

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Shobair and El Shenawy/@Al Ahly

Just 48 hours before the first leg of the CAF Champions League 2025-2026 quarter-finals, Al Ahly's Danish coach Jess Thorup has yet to decide which goalkeeper will start for the Cairo giants against Espérance de Tunis.

The former Augsburg manager is still weighing his options between Mostafa Shobair, who has consistently impressed with solid performances, and the highly experienced Mohamed El Shenawy, a veteran of major showdowns.

To discuss this dilemma, Foot Africa reached out to two Egyptian journalists, Mohab Ahmed and Ahmed Ghonem, who shared their insights on the matter.

According to Mohab Ahmed, it's time for Mostafa Shobair to be confirmed as Al Ahly's first-choice shot-stopper. Here’s his analysis.

Mohamed El Shenawy has lost confidence in his abilities for some time now, and his mistakes have become too frequent, which could also be linked to his age. He also seems to be under pressure due to his desire to make the Pharaohs' squad for the 2026 World Cup.His stats this season are not promising, as he has conceded more than 20 goals in about 21 matches.On the other hand, Mostafa Shobair shows a strong level every time he plays and has earned the trust of the fans, who believe he hasn't had enough opportunities and deserves more playing time.Furthermore, the goalkeeper rotation policy could harm Mostafa Shobair and reduce his chances of making it to the World Cup, especially since this system is rarely adopted by top clubs.Some believe that the insistence on playing El Shenawy is detrimental to the team’s interests and is only to allow him to participate in the World Cup, due to his close relationship with the club president.

For his part, Ahmed Ghonem also believes Mostafa Shobair fully deserves to be Al Ahly’s starting goalkeeper. Here’s his take.

The player’s youth works in his favor, especially as he still has great potential for development, unlike his direct rival who is nearing the end of his career.Moreover, Shobair has gained the fans’ trust thanks to his performances. By contrast, El Shenawy has been struggling for some time due to a clear decline in his form, compounded by recent rumors about his personal life, which have affected him mentally.