Pyramids’ Star Duo Out of African Super Cup as Official Update Shields Ramadan Sobhi's Knee and Jalal’s Hamstring

Ahead of the CAF Super Cup

Pyramids FC face a painful setback just days before the African Super Cup final against Renaissance Berkane, as two of their key players are ruled out by the coaching staff. Ramadan Sobhi and Osama Jalal will not be available for the Cairo showdown after medical recommendations sent them to Germany for detailed tests and required treatment. The decision adds weight to a match that had already captured the attention of Egyptian fans and North African rivals alike.

Pyramids go into the final riding a surge of pride after an extraordinary season that culminated in their historic CAF Champions League triumph, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. That continental success propelled the club toward an Intercontinental Cup campaign that began with a convincing 3-0 win over Auckland City, followed by a 3-1 victory away to Al-Ahli Saudi, setting up a semi-final against the regional winner from the Americas in Doha on December 13. The dramatic ascent has put Pyramids on a continental map they had long chased.

The looming semi-final in Doha marks another chapter in a journey that has seen the club push beyond regional expectations and into the broader world stage of intercontinental competition.

Rivalry with Berkane has extra spice this time around, with the Moroccan side’s ambitions underlining a classic North African duel. Berkane, coached by Tunisian Moein Al-Shaabi, arrive as Confederation Cup champions from last season and are fresh from domestic success in Morocco, where they clinched the league title in a historic year for the orange-clad club. They will be aiming to topple the Egyptian champions and write another memorable chapter in the club’s history.

The rekindled memory of Berkane’s 2020 Confederation Cup final victory over Pyramids looms large, adding a revenge angle as the Egyptians seek to prove their progress has continued beyond domestic miracles and league triumphs.

Gaps in the squad become more visible as Sobhi, aged 28, remains sidelined due to knee concerns, while Jalal’s hamstring issue persists from the club’s recent Intercontinental Cup outing against Al-Ahli Saudi. The club’s leadership has confirmed that both players will travel abroad for specialist assessments and treatment, with Pyramids shouldering the cost to ensure a swift and safe return to action when possible.

Ramadan Sobhi’s impact at Pyramids since his 2020 arrival from Huddersfield Town has been significant. Across 159 appearances, he has amassed 37 goals and 31 assists, establishing himself as a core driver of the team’s attack and a household name among the club’s supporters. The medical staff and technical team believe that restoring his full fitness will feel like a new signing in the second half of the season, given his wide experience and ability to influence big matches.

In parallel, Jalal’s return to full match sharpness will be crucial for the defensive balance as the team eyes a long stretch of domestic and continental commitments. The medical and administrative teams are aligned on a careful rehabilitation plan that prioritizes long-term health and sustained availability for key fixtures.

Berkane’s Push for a Golden Double

On the Berkan side, the focus is on translating continental credibility into tangible hardware as they pursue a second major prize this season. Berkane’s leadership views the Super Cup as a platform to assert their status as a rising force in African football, leveraging a strong league performance to back their cup ambitions. The Tunisian tactician Moein El-Shaabi has guided the squad with a blend of tactical flexibility and champion-hunting mindset, aiming to extend their recent success into Africa’s top club competition.

With the climate of the Moroccan league championship and the Confederation Cup triumph behind them, Berkane will be keen to repeat continental glory against a resilient Pyramids side who are playing at home in Cairo for a major trophy final that has drawn interest from fans across the continent.

Key Absences and Ongoing Injury Troubles

Ahmed Zahr, the club’s administrative director, confirmed that Sobhi and Jalal will depart for Germany in the coming hours to receive comprehensive medical checks and advanced therapies. Sobhi’s knee injury and Jalal’s hamstring tear during the Intercontinental Cup clash with Al-Ahli Saudi are the reasons behind the precautionary exile for treatment, reflecting the club’s willingness to invest in recovery to protect long-term performance across a busy calendar.

The club’s board has signed off on funding for the travel and treatment, underscoring their commitment to restoring the squad’s core strengths as the schedule becomes increasingly congested with national, continental, and global duties in the near future. The medical team’s detailed assessments will determine the path to full readiness for Sobhi, with the aim of ensuring a safe, sustainable return rather than a rushed comeback.

Memories, Records, and a New Challenge

Ramadan Sobhi’s absence at this stage of the season marks a challenging start for an athlete whose career has combined talent with resilience. Since joining Pyramids in 2020 from Huddersfield and building a prolific track record in the Egyptian top flight and beyond, Sobhi’s return will carry the weight of expectations as the club fights across several fronts. His experience and playmaking ability are considered a potential difference-maker in the second half of the campaign, if he can regain full physical fitness without setbacks.

Meanwhile, the club continues to assemble and refine the squad as international duties edge closer. The return of key internationals, including Mohamed Sheibi, Blati Touré, and Walid Karti, has strengthened the collective, while the coaching staff remains confident in a positive trajectory heading into the Slope of the season’s final sprint.

Official CAF Confirmations and a Historic host

The Africans’ governing body confirmed that Patrice Motsepe, CAF’s president, will attend the African Super Cup final in Cairo, alongside several other top officials. Motsepe is expected to crown the winner after the match in a formal ceremony, adding a ceremonial layer to a game that already carries significant implications for both clubs’ legacies. It will also mark the first time the Super Cup is hosted by Pyramids at their own venue, a milestone the club’s supporters are eager to celebrate.

In parallel, Pyramids’ preparations have included a series of training and conditioning sessions during the international window, including a friendly against We that ended 3-2, a test run that provided valuable exposure to the squad before the big date. The return of international players such as Mohamed Sheibi, Blati Touré, and Walid Karti has helped restore depth and balance to the squad as they look to build momentum heading into the final stages of the season.

Looking for the First Super Cup Title

Pyramids are chasing their first CAF Super Cup crown, a prize that would add a historic chapter to a club that has already rewritten the record books with the CAF Champions League win. Berkane, having tasted success in the 2022 Super Cup against Wydad, arrive with confidence after a trophy-laden season that has reinforced their status as one of Africa’s most intriguing clubs. The upcoming Cairo clash is framed as a marquee encounter in a string of North African duels that have consistently captivated football fans across the continent.

The Super Cup is set to be a marquee chapter in a broader rivalry between Egyptian and Moroccan teams, echoing the long-running North African football tradition. The winners of this match will join a select group of clubs that have lifted Africa’s most coveted club trophy, continuing a narrative that has seen clubs from both countries achieve continental greatness, and ensuring plenty of excitement for fans ahead of what lies beyond the final whistle.