After two tightly contested first-leg encounters in the CAF Champions League semifinals, neither of South Africa’s representatives — Mamelodi Sundowns nor Orlando Pirates — could capitalize fully on home ground advantage.
While three of the final four are household names to African football fans, Pyramids FC might still be a mystery to some.
Pyramids FC is fast becoming a major player in Egyptian football. Originally founded in 2008 as Al Assiouty Sport, the club underwent a dramatic transformation in 2018, rebranding and receiving a significant boost in investment.
This marked a bold attempt to disrupt the long-standing reign of Egypt’s traditional football giants. Now, they’re proving to be a serious contender, not just domestically but across the continent.
Their journey has been marked by rapid progress, particularly evident in their impressive performances in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup in recent years.
Now, their presence in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-finals marks a significant milestone, the tangible result of an ambitious project meticulously designed to break into and ultimately reshape the continental hierarchy.
A Modern Footballing Philosophy: High Press and Possession
The aftermath of the first leg was marked by the palpable frustration of Pyramids FC’s coach, Krunoslav Jurčić. The experienced 55-year-old Croatian, a former international midfielder, vehemently asserted that his team had defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 in Johannesburg, following two incidents where goals were disallowed.
Whilst those goals were chalked off by VAR, it was clear to see Pyramids FC have cultivated a distinctive and modern footballing identity – in stark contrast to some of the more traditionally structured teams in the competition. Under their technical guidance of Jurčić, the team employs a dynamic high-pressing strategy aimed at suffocating opponents in their own half and quickly regaining possession.
Once in control, they prioritize a possession-based approach, patiently building attacks through a technically gifted midfield that consists of the experienced Walid El Karti and the reliable Mohanad Lasheen.
Their devastating 4-1 victory over FAR Rabat in the first leg of the quarter-finals served as a powerful demonstration of their attacking capabilities and the explosive potential they possess when afforded space to implement their intricate passing patterns.
The Potent Return of Key Talents: Adel and Sobhi
Adding a significant layer of anticipation to their semi-final aspirations is the timely return of two influential players: the dynamic duo of Ibrahim Adel and Ramadan Sobhi. Notably rested for the first-leg clash and absent from the trip to Johannesburg, their re-integration into the squad injects a fresh wave of quality and attacking impetus.
Both players possess the individual brilliance and tactical intelligence to unlock tight defenses and influence crucial moments in high-stakes encounters. Their eagerness to contribute and potentially propel Pyramids to their first-ever Champions League final will undoubtedly be a key storyline to watch.
Aiming to Rewrite History: A Rapid Ascent
For Pyramids FC, this semi-final appearance is more than just another stage in a competition; it represents the culmination of a rapid and ambitious ascent. As newcomers to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, backed by substantial financial investment, they are determined to disrupt the established order and prove that a new era of Egyptian football is dawning.
Reaching the final in their debut campaign would be a historic achievement, a powerful statement of their intent, and a clear indication that the traditional giants of the continent face a formidable new challenger. Pyramids FC are not just participants; they are hungry disruptors with their sights firmly set on rewriting the narrative of African club football.
Kick off at the Air Defence Stadium is set for 20h00 CAT on Friday, 25 April 2025.