The 2008/2009 season was an exciting one in the Egyptian Premier League. Al Ahly with its experienced stars kept the title only after a championship playoff match against attractive side Ismaily. Giants Zamalek had another disappointing season but did unveil some new talents.
Haras El Hodood won the cup and also the rest of the teams have some fine talents. After Egypt's success at the Confederations Cup, IMScouting takes a look at the best 11 players of the Egyptian League in the past season.
We chose the players according to the most common tactical system in Egypt, 3-5-2, with a sweeper behind two center backs.
Goalkeeper: Mathurin Kameni, age 31
The older brother of Espanyol's Carlos Kameni had a simply wonderful season defending the goal of Haras El Hodood. The team conceded only 22 goals in 30 matches, from which 26 were played by the Cameroonian. Kameni, now a free player after finishing his contract with Haras, is an excellent goalie. The 1.95 meter tall goalie has 16 international appearances and a calm head, flexibility, physical presence, aerial ability, positioning sense and technique which are all of a high caliber.
Right Back: Ahmed Al Muhammadi, age 21
The Blackburn Rovers target had a fine season on the right flank of ENPPI, leading the club to a good season. Al Muhammadi, nicknamed "the Egyptian Beckham," recorded 5 assists and 6 goals and provided numerous pin-point crosses from his wing. This season saw Al Muhammadi keeping consistency with his former season, and stabilizing his position as the best right back in the country together with Al Ahly's Ahmed Fathy.
Sweeper: Hany Saied, age 29
Despite Zamalek's awful season, Hany Saied managed to keep his place as the starting sweeper of the national team. Saied, who arrived last summer to Zamalek from Ismaily in a 750k euro deal, had a good season with 28 appearances and 3 goals. Saied, who spent a couple of years playing in Italy, has now matured into an excellent reader of the game. With his experience, technique and brain, there is no sweeper in Egypt that can match him.
Center Back: Ahmed Saied Ouka, age 25
Haras El Hodood's center back Ouka has played for Ismaily, where he didn't receive too many opportunities, until joining his current club in 2007. This season saw his breakthrough. Ahmed was one of the most important parts in Haras's excellent season. This young defender is extremely strong, is quite intelligent and reads the game well, plus has good technique for his position. He has to improve his man marking abilities but showed in the Confederations Cup that he can compete at the highest levels of football.
Center Back: Ahmed Khairy, age 21
One of the most promising players in the country is Ahmed Khairy. This versatile defender, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or as a center back, and even as a fullback, has the entire package. He is extremely strong, fast, and has fine technique. His shots from long distance are of a very high caliber. Despite initial interest from European sides, Khairy declared his will to stay with Ismaily in order to develop his skills. IMScouting believes he can be a useful addition to many European clubs even now.
Left Back: Hazem Emam Jr, age 20
Perhaps the best thing to come out of Zamalek this season is this extremely talented fullback. We chose Hazem Emam, despite the fact that he is a right back and not a left back and even though Ahmed Fathy had a good season, because Emam's talent is really rare. His speed, dribbling and crossing technique are of the highest caliber. His MVP award in the last Cairo derby is the real proof of his ability. If Emam improves his fitness, he could mature into one of Egypt's finest players ever.
Central Midfielder: Mohamed Homos, age 30
Scoring the winning goal against Italy symbolized the excellent season Homos had. The 30- year-old midfielder scored 7 goals for Ismaily and recorded 6 assists. He returned to the national team after a couple of years since his work rate cannot be matched by any other player in Egypt. Homos's physical abilities combined with a high level of technique make him an excellent central midfielder who still has a couple more years to play and waits now for European offers.
Central Midfielder: Sebastiao Gilberto, age 26
The usually left-sided midfielder is worth a place in our lineup even in the center of park. The Angolan international has made a name for himself in Egypt in recent years, and continued this form this season with no less than 11 assists, most of them for compatriot Flavio Amado. Gilberto is just an excellent crosser of the ball, and his fitness allows him to play at higher levels. It has been reported that several European clubs are after him, but it seems Ahly will be very reluctant to sell him.
Attacking Midfielder: Mohamed Abu Treika, age 30
Egypt's most gifted footballer had a season full of injuries, yet he managed to finish it with 10 goals and 7 assists, helping Ahly to win the title. His performances in the Confederations Cup finally approved him to the entire world as a player who can match the best in the world. His vision on the field, passing ability and timing are all of the highest caliber. His quiet leadership reins over Ahly and the national team. Now he will try to stir the national team to its first World Cup appearance since 1990.
Striker: Papa Arko, age 25
The league's top goal scorer with 12 goals had a great season. The 25 years old Ghanaian striker is already a veteran in the Egyptian league, having spells with Zamalek and Arab Contractors before finding his place at El Geish. This season he finally won international experience having played for Ghana national team for the first time. His pace, strength, movement and excellent shooting skills inside and outside of the box make Papa Arko a very good bargain for European teams.
Striker: Ahmed Gaafar, age 23
Zamalek's newly signed striker is a true gem. Gaafar arrived last summer to small team Itesalat from third division side Sers Layan and had an outstanding season, scoring 11 goals. Gaafar, nicknamed "the Egyptian Luca Toni," resembles Amr Zaki a lot – he is big, strong, mobile and calm in front of goal. His technique and one-touch-play are of a high caliber, which all cover for a little lack of speed. Gaafar is now a national team candidate and it seems he also has the right personality needed for long time success.
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Players who didn’t make the team but were still impressive in 2008/2009.
Ramzi Saleh – Ahly's Palestinian goalkeeper proved to be a much better goalkeeper than Amir Abdul Hameed, and his performances in the Red Devils' goal were of a high quality.
Ahmed Fathy – The super versatile Fathy had another excellent season, both for club and country. He looks ready for another move abroad.
Sherif Abdel Fadiel – Ismaily's versatile defender has endless stamina and pace. His performances mainly on the right flank were extremely impressive. He is currently on the verge of joining Zamalek.
Hossam Ashour – Ahly's diminutive defensive midfielder is maturing into one of the best in the country. Definitely a player to watch as he has what it takes to make a move abroad.
Abd el Aziz Tawfik – ENPPI's versatile midfielder Tawfik is a member of the national team who still waits for his breakthrough on the international scene. He can play almost anywhere in the defence or midfield, and is a very consistent player.
Abdallah Al Saied – Ismaily's attacking midfielder is only 23-years-old and already showing signs of absolute potential. Al Saied had 12 goals this season in all competitions, and he looks like the natural heir to Abu Treika when the latter retires.
Iehab Al Masry – a 23-year-old striker who scored 10 goals this season showing excellent promise. Able to shoot with both feet and having amazing spin, Al Masry is one to watch in the coming years.
Eric Beckoe – The Ghanaian starlet, top scorer of the Ghanaian league in the 2007/2008 season, scored 6 goals in 13 matches since arriving to Petrojet in January showing rare adaptability from a Ghanaian football to Egypt. This fine finisher is an excellent prospect with a bright future ahead of him.
Mohamed El Gabas – Al Masry's 21 years old striker scored 9 goals this season and earned a move to Belgium side Lierse. Having played for Newcastle's youth system, El Gabas can mature into a world class striker.
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