Ahmed Sayed Zizo joined Al Ahly with high expectations, but so far, the club hasn't figured out how to use him to full effect. The main issue is simple: no one seems sure where he should play.
In the match against ZED on August 29, 2026, Zizo was listed as part of Al Ahly's attacking/midfield group rather than as a fixed right winger, confirming the club is still experimenting with his position.
Midfield Experiment Fails to Ignite
Since arriving at Al Ahly, Zizo has been tried as both a number 8 and a number 10, asked to create play from deeper positions. His passing numbers are solid-117 successful passes at 91% completion, perfect on long balls-but his usual attacking output has dropped off. He has just one goal (a penalty), seven chances created (mostly from set pieces), and seven successful crosses at a 33% success rate. He hasn't registered an assist and has completed only one dribble, a big change from his wing play at Zamalek. ESPN's stats for this season show Zizo with 1 goal and 0 assists in 1 league match, which is below what's expected for a player with his attacking reputation.
The right side of Al Ahly's attack is crowded. Monsef Bekrar, Taher Mohamed Taher, and Hussein El Shahat are all competing for minutes. This has led Ammouta to use Zizo in central roles, hoping his technical skills would make up for the change. But both the stats and the eye test say otherwise: Zizo is less dangerous when he can't use the space and freedom of the wing. YS Scores reported that before the Smouha match, the staff considered using Zizo on the right to take advantage of his speed and crossing.
After leaving Zamalek as a free agent, Zizo's transfer to Al Ahly remains the subject of legal and financial disputes. On September 3, 2026, a Zamalek source told FilGoal that the club submitted all documents supporting their appeal regarding compensation claims for the player.
"As an Al Ahly supporter, I don't see him adding what I expected," said former player and pundit Magdy Abdelghani. "He's a great player, but he hasn't shouldered the responsibility at Al Ahly."
What Al Ahly Is Losing by Moving Zizo
Playing Zizo in the middle takes away the qualities that made him stand out: acceleration down the wing, dangerous crosses, and late runs into the box. At Zamalek, these skills made him one of Egypt's top attackers. In midfield, he's forced into a more static, playmaking role, with more defensive work and less chance to attack space behind defenders. In the September 3, 2026 match against Smouha, Zizo played 86 minutes before being replaced by Aktay Abdalla, as reported by Al Ahram English.
Coach Ammouta says Zizo is working hard and that scoring is a team effort. But the evidence is clear: Al Ahly's tactical choices are holding back their new signing.
Al Ahly's Next Move: Restore or Persist?
The club now has a decision to make. They can keep trying Zizo in midfield and risk losing his impact, or put him back on the right wing-even if it means tough choices for the rest of the squad. The numbers show Zizo is at his best on the flank, not in the center. Al Ahram English notes that the staff's ongoing rotation of Zizo between midfield and the wing shows the issue is still unresolved.
Al Ahly's search for tactical flexibility has so far led to confusion and underwhelming performances from one of Egypt's most talented players. Unless Ammouta is willing to put Zizo back on the wing, the club risks wasting both their investment and the player's best years. For now, fans are still waiting to see the Zizo they were promised.
