When a Champion Speaks: Pyramids’ Meeting Before the CAF CL Showdown in Cairo

Match Prep and Eid’s Rallying Call

On the morning of October 30, 2025, Pyramids FC president Mamdouh Eid convened a high-intensity talk with the players ahead of the CAF Champions League return leg against Ethiopian Insurance. The game takes place at the Defense Stadium in Cairo, following a 1-1 draw in the opening encounter.

The objective is clear: reach the group stage by exploiting home advantage and maintaining the championship mindset that carried the club to continental success last season. CAF has approved hosting both legs in Cairo because the Ethiopian venue did not meet their standards, a detail Eid didn’t miss mentioning with a smile and a wink to the crowd watching at home.

Message from Mamdouh Eid

Eid urged the squad to stay sharply focused and to treat the tie with the seriousness of a title race. He reminded the players that Pyramids is the defending African champion in spirit and must perform at peak levels in every continental fixture, regardless of the opponent’s badge or country.

He stressed that the target is clear: progress to the group stage and keep the club’s momentum across domestic and continental competitions. Eid’s talk wasn’t just pep; it was a tactical reminder that every moment on the pitch matters when a single win can change a season.

Squad notes and injuries

The Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić announced the squad for the crucial tie and noted several injuries that will test the squad depth. Goalkeepers include Ahmed El-Shenawy, Sherif Ekramy, and Mahmoud Gad, while the defense features a mix of experienced and rising players. In midfield and attack, the emphasis was on balance, with the manager outlining a plan to press high, press smart, and push for a decisive breakthrough in front of a supportive home crowd. Absentees due to injury include Osama Jalal, Ramadan Sobhi, and Mustafa Fathi, while the rest of the squad has been cleared to fight for a place in the lineup.

Context and aspirations

The meeting comes as Pyramids eyes a place in the group stage, continuing a campaign that has already showcased their ambition on the continental stage. The team is part of a wider field that includes a handful of North and Sub-Saharan clubs striving for a similar prize, with the draw for the group stage looming in Johannesburg next week. The narrative is simple: win at home, carry the initiative from the first leg, and trust in the squad’s depth to push past a determined Ethiopian opponent.

As Eid framed it, the club’s objective remains unwavering: secure advancement and keep advancing in Africa’s premier club competition, the CAF Champions League. The build-up has been intense, but the mood in Cairo is one of purpose and confidence, with fans hopeful of another historic run for the Red and Black.

Key topics discussed

The meeting emphasized discipline, concentration, and playing with the confidence of champions. Jurčić’s remarks echoed Eid’s message, underscoring that the opponent is a quality side from Ethiopia, deserving full respect and maximum effort. The coaching staff remains confident in their plan and the players’ ability to execute under pressure.

Looking ahead

With the tie finely balanced, Pyramids seeks to seal progress that would keep them on track for the group stage, aligning with other teams already having secured their spots. The club’s broader calendar remains intense, including domestic commitments and a push for further silverware in Africa.

Humor break: If football were a sniper match, Eid’s pep talk would be the smoke—clearing the path to the goal, one carefully aimed sentence at a time. And if the ball ever wanders, well, the net is still where every good punchline lands.