Barcelona wins Joan Gamper Trophy with victory over Al-Ahli

Spanish club Barcelona won the Joan Gamper Cup friendly after defeating Egypt’s Al Ahly 2-1, in a match that concluded the Egyptian side’s preparatory camp in Spain ahead of the start of the domestic league season.

Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdel Karim, a former Al Ahly player, scored Barcelona’s opening goal in the 29th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Alejandro Balde to slot the ball into the net of goalkeeper Mostafa Shobair from close range.

Barcelona had signed Abdel Karim, 18, on a three-year deal last June, after he joined the Catalan club on loan from Al Ahly during the previous winter transfer window.

Barcelona doubled their lead in the final moments of the first half when captain Raphinha won a penalty after being fouled by Hady Riad, with the Brazilian winger converting the spot-kick successfully.

Al Ahly reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” who finished from close range after capitalizing on a counter-attack and a pass from substitute Mansour Beshara.

Al Ahly defender Amr El-Gazzar saved his team from a dangerous opportunity by heading away a Raphinha shot in the 18th minute, while Karim Fouad cleared a dangerous ball off the goal line in the 22nd minute. Shobair also stood out, making a crucial save against a powerful strike from Fermín López in the 36th minute.

In the first minute of stoppage time, Al Ahly’s substitute goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy saved a penalty taken by new English signing Anthony Gordon, preventing Barcelona from scoring a third goal.

Raphinha was named man of the match.