Egyptian Super Cup Showdown: Pyramids Coach Keeps Eye on Zamalek, Not Al Ahly

Build-up and expectations

The Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić, head coach of Pyramids FC, expressed happiness to be in Abu Dhabi for the Egyptian Super Cup, noting that the match against Zamalek will be tough and that the camp is in ideal spirits, with the aim of winning another trophy after recent continental and domestic successes.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the semi-final, he recalled the events of last edition when a late Pyramids goal was ruled out and stated the squad enters this edition with renewed determination and no room for excuses.

He added that it does not matter who reaches the final against Al Ahly or Ceramica Cleopatra; both are formidable sides, and the final will be extremely challenging.

He explained that this edition is different because Pyramids now have the experience to handle big games, a maturation the team had been building for some time, and every member has worked hard to win more titles.

He noted that several important players will be absent, including Ramadan Sobhi, Mostafa Fathi, Osama Galal, and Blati Touré.

Coaching changes and squad depth

On the topic of a new coach at Zamalek, Jurčić said a coach needs time to imprint his impact; in the early days the aim is to inject fresh energy into the dressing room, while the tactical imprint will take time to become clear.

He stressed that all four clubs in the tournament have a real chance to win, and Pyramids is ready to continue their quest for trophies, backed by a strong substitute bench able to cover injuries and a renewed ambition for more titles.

Jurčić warned that winning the continental title places constant pressure, but he trusts his players, who are driven to win everything in the next phase with support from the technical staff and management.

Ahmed El Shennawy, Pyramids’ goalkeeper, said he is pleased to be in the UAE for the fourth straight time, describing Zamalek as a big and strong side with a vast fanbase. He added that the match will be tough, but Pyramids are fully prepared and in peak form, with players eager to lift the trophy after recent successes.

He noted that Zamalek’s previous wins were sometimes due to circumstances, but he is focused on tomorrow’s game and hopes luck favors Pyramids.

He also said his exclusion from the national team is a decision for the coaches, and he respects it, wishing success for the national team; the main aim is the team’s success.

He finished by saying that Zamalek players possess great experience, and the clash will be very tough, but Pyramids aim to win the title and delight their fans.

Intercontinental context: FIFA announced that Qatar will host the final three matches of the Intercontinental Cup, in which Pyramids participate. Qatar had previously hosted these finals in 2019, 2020, and 2024, when Real Madrid lifted the title at the Lusail Stadium, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final.

The knockout rounds begin on December 10 with a clash between the CONCACAF Champions and Libertadores winners, with the winner facing Pyramids on December 13 for the Challenger Cup and then facing Paris Saint-Germain on December 17 for the Club World Cup title.

Pyramids reached this stage after a landmark Africa Champions League victory, beating Auckland City 3-0 in Cairo, then defeating Al Ahli Saudi in Jeddah to advance.

They aim to surpass their Egyptian compatriot Al Ahly, who have bronze medals at the Club World Cup on four occasions.

The squad includes several of Africa’s top players: Sherif Ekramy, Ahmed El Shennawy, Ali Gaber, Ramadan Sobhi, Mahmoud Zlaka, Mahmoud Meri, Mohammed Hamdi, Karim Hafiz, Mahmoud Gad, Ahmed Sami, Diddy Jabas, Marwan Hamdi, Osama Galal, along with foreigners Mohammed Al-Sheibi, Walid El-Karti, Blati Touré, and Everton.