Clash for Africa’s Crown: Pyramids Seek Redemption Against Berkane in the African Super Cup
17 October 2025
Storyline and stakes
In Cairo, two continental heavyweights prepare to settle Africa’s Super Cup question: Pyramids FC hosts Renaissance Berkane. Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic says his players are fully focused and ready, even though the squad only regained full strength in the days after the international window. The Egyptians want a new continental trophy to add to their cabinet, and their attack-minded identity is built around a bold, fearless style. Berkane arrives with a track record of finals and experience on the continental stage, determined to spoil the home side's party.
Team preparations and quotes
Jurcic emphasized building a strong team culture and a recognizable identity, insisting they can compete for every prize with the players available. He dismissed talk of individual absences, stressing that the group is more important than any single player. Ramadan Sobhi's absence is injury-related; the coach reaffirmed that every member of the squad has a role to play. He urged Egyptian fans to back the team as they represent their country on a big stage.
Mehdi El-Shabani, Berkane's Tunisian coach, said the Super Cup would be a clash of two giants and carried a special aura. He pointed to Berkane's domestic and continental successes as a source of confidence, but warned that facing a well-organized Pyramids will demand maximum effort. He noted potential lineup decisions and the impact injuries could have on both sides, while stressing that the Moroccan club is ready to fight to the end.
Officials highlighted the importance of the match venue and logistics: CAF appointed a Sudanese referee, Mahmoud Ismail, with two assistants, a Mauritanian fourth official, a Kenyan assistant, and a Ghanaian VAR official. The technical meeting in Cairo set kit colors and attendance expectations, with high-ranking Egyptian sports officials slated to be present. In Morocco, officials spoke similarly of pride and the challenge ahead.
The article notes that Pyramids enjoys the home advantage at the Defense Stadium in Cairo, while Berkane travels with a strong squad and a resolve to claim a first African Super Cup crown. The match is framed as a test of experience versus hunger, with both clubs looking to add to their recent wins and to bolster their standing in Africa's club rankings. Market valuations from Transfermarkt place Pyramids ahead of Berkane in overall squad value, led by the Brazilian Everton and Feston Maiile in the range of a few million euros, underscoring the financial gap that the sides still aim to close in a one-off final.
Both teams are chasing glory: Pyramids hope to win their fourth major title after recent successes in African and domestic competitions, while Berkane seeks to extend its trophy-laden period with more silverware. The match is expected to be a fierce, tactical duel with a lively atmosphere, and every detail from referee calls to crowd support could tip the balance in this high-stakes confrontation.
In the buildup, officials highlighted the importance of the match venue and logistics: CAF appointed a Sudanese referee, Mahmoud Ismail, with assistants, and other officials, with VAR by a Ghanaian official. The technical meeting set kit colors and the attendance of senior football figures. The match is framed as a showcase of two of Africa’s best clubs, with the potential to redefine momentum in the continental calendar.
Two punchlines to keep things light: If this final had a motive, it’s simple—the trophy will go to the team that can shout “gimme!” the loudest, including the referee’s whistle. And remember: the most dangerous weapon tonight might just be the keeper’s stare; it’s known to turn shots into regrets and goals into ghost stories for the strikers.