Hat-Trick Cat Sparks Pyramids to a 3-0 Thrashing of Rivers United in CAF CL Opener
23 November 2025
Pyramids FC, holders of Africa's CAF Champions League title, secured a thrilling 3-0 victory over Rivers United at Cairo's Air Defense Stadium in the opening group match night.
Athletic Ahmed Atef, nicknamed Cat, starred with a hat-trick in the 52nd, 57th, and 72nd minutes, handing the hosts all three points and boosting them to the top of Group A under Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić.
Rivers United, coached by George Finidi, remain without points as they tried to counter the hosts' attacking threats, but the experience and sharp finishing of Pyramids proved decisive as they head into the next fixture against Power Dynamos of Zambia.
First Half
The match began at a fast pace with Pyramids pressing high. A powerful shot from Everton narrowly missed the post, followed by another attempt from the Brazilian forward that rose over the crossbar.
There were several squandered chances for the home side, including an opportunity from Mayili inside the area that went wide, a claim for a penalty by Zlaka that was not given, and Mohammed El-Sheibi shooting over the bar. Karim Hafiz also sent a shot wide as the first half wore on.
The half ended goalless as the two teams failed to convert their chances, with the hosts' lack of a clinical edge and the visitors' resilience keeping the scores level.
Second Half
From the restart, Pyramids intensified their pressure. A cross from Karim Hafiz set up attacking moves as Zlaka created chances on the right, though Mayili failed to finish.
In the 52nd minute, Pyramids finally broke the deadlock as Mayili started a quick move, and after a save by the Rivers goalkeeper, Ahmed Atef pounced to score.
A few minutes later, a cross from Karim Hafiz was headed home by Atef to make it 2-0 in the 57th minute. In the 72nd minute, Atef completed his hat-trick with a smart finish after a well-placed cross from Hafiz.
Following the goals, Jurčić made changes to refresh the attack; Rivers United pushed forward but the home defense held firm, with keeper Ahmed Shna? saving a late chance; the visitor's efforts faded as the clock ran down.
Post-match Reactions
In the post-match press conference, Jurčić expressed happiness with the win, noting that the players delivered a big performance despite fatigue from the international break. He highlighted the rotation policy and the need to keep players fresh while praising Atef for his hat-trick and overall display.
He also asserted that his team exploited the chances well and remained the better side for most of the match, emphasizing the hosts' superiority in play and scoreline.
Punchline 1: If precision were a weapon, Ahmed Atef just reloaded the entire clip with three bullets—hat-trick unlocked.
Punchline 2: The Rivers United defense could use a silencer after this—Atef turned Cairo into a sniper’s paradise, three goals, one happy crowd.
