Ahly have signed Malian central defender Salif Coulibaly for the next two years, the Cairo giants announced on Monday.

Coulibaly joins Ahly on a free transfer from the Congolese side TP Mazembe after his contract with the club expired in June.

The 30-year-old played for Mazembe in the past three seasons under the guidance of Ahly's current coach Patrice Carteron, the Frenchman who was in charge at the Congolese side.

Coulibaly won a host of titles with TP Mazembe including two league titles in 2014 and 2016, two Confederation Cup titles in 2016 and 2017 and an.African Champions League title in 2015.

Coulibaly made 16 international appearances with Mali between 2012 and 2017.

The Malian defender becomes the fifth foreign based-player in Ahly's squad for this season, alongside Moroccan striker Walid Azaro, Tunisian fullback Aly Maaloul, Nigerian winger Junior Ajayi, and South African forward Phakamani Mahlambi.

With Coulibaly's signing, Ahly will have to offload one of these players to comply with the Egyptian football Association (EFA) rules that give clubs the right to register only four foreign-based players in their squad.    

Ahly, who won their 40 th league title last season, are looking to strengthen their back-line before the next season starts in August. 

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