Pyramids FC Triumphs Over Ethiopian Insurance to Seal CAF Champions League Group Stage

Match recap

Pyramids FC earned a deserved 2-0 victory over Ethiopian Insurance in Cairo on Thursday night, in the CAF Champions League Round of 32 second leg, at the Air Defence Stadium.

Mustafa Abd al-Raouf 'Ziko' opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and Moni added an own goal in stoppage time (90+1) to seal the win for the hosts.

Pyramids had already leveled the tie in the first leg, played last Sunday at the same venue, after CAF approved hosting both legs at the Air Defence Stadium due to the Ethiopian club’s ground not meeting requirements.

The reigning champions advanced to the group stage under Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic.

Section title: A mixed display.

Pyramids began with an attacking intent, with Jurcic bringing Mustafa Ziko into the starting XI after a header found the net from a inside-the-box cross, setting the tone for a proactive first half.

The Pharaohs pressed the Ethiopian defense in the opening 15 minutes, though Ethiopian Insurance escaped by clearing a dangerous cross at times.—

Pyramids also brought on Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez 'Zlaaka' alongside Karim Hafiz and Brazilian Everton, with substitutions including Ahmed Tawfik and Mahmoud Abdel Ati 'Donya' to refresh the attack.

A cross from Pyramids deflected off the defense and ended in the back of the net, effectively sealing the tie.

The titleholders confirmed their advancement to the group stage, continuing their campaign to defend the continental crown they won for the first time in the club’s history.

Earlier, Pyramids had defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in last season’s final under Jurcic’s guidance.

What it means for the competition

As the round of 32 closes, interest shifts to the group-stage draw scheduled for Monday in Johannesburg, with 16 teams to be divided into four pots for the quartet of groups.

Alongside Pyramids, Al Ahly of Egypt, Espérance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns are among teams expected to feature prominently in the opening round of the group stage, with several North and sub-Saharan clubs chasing the knockout rounds.

Also advancing were Simba SC, Al Hilal, Young Africans, RS Berkane, Petro de Luanda, and others as the competition deepens toward late-year fixtures in November and December.

In Cairo, the stage is set for Pyramids’ continued quest to defend their title, with the club also eyeing domestic cup competitions and potential international fixtures later in the season.

Under Jurcic, Pyramids have built a season of notable milestones, including triumphs in the CAF Super Cup and other regional competitions, underscoring the project’s rising trajectory.

Next up, the team will be looking at the upcoming Egyptian Super Cup against Zamalek in the UAE, and a potential Intercontinental Cup semi-final in Doha, depending on progress in the continental schedule.

Pyramids’ league campaign remains competitive; they were title contenders last season but finished behind Al Ahly, fueling a determination to push for more silverware this term.

Additionally, Pyramids have pursued CAS arbitration in response to a domestic league decision affecting points, a move that could influence the league standings if successful.

If CAS sides with Pyramids, the club could be in position to clinch the Egyptian league title, depending on the final gap with Al Ahly. The team has already played eight league matches with just one defeat so far.

In terms of fixtures, Pyramids’ ongoing schedule promises a heavy December slate, with multiple domestic and continental engagements testing depth and resolve.

Punchline time: If scoring were an art, Ziko just painted a masterpiece—even the net applauded. Punchline two: When your defense is a rumor, you better bring a megaphone—Pyramids brought the goals instead.