Rest, Risers, and Red Cards: Pyramids Shelves Five for the Cairo Showdown with Al Ittihad

Team News

Pyramids FC’s Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić has opted to rest left-back Mohamed Hamdi ahead of a pivotal Egyptian Premier League clash with Al Ittihad Alexandria, aiming to recharge before the UAE-hosted Super Cup unfolds later this week. The match will see Pyramids host Al Ittihad at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, as part of Round 13 of the league.

Absences and Squad Selection

Hamdi’s omission comes amid severe fatigue after playing in every domestic and continental match, in addition to recent duties with the Egypt national team. Ramadan Sobhi, Mustafa Fathi, Osama Jalal, and Youssef Ouma were also left out as they continue their rehabilitation from injuries.

Match Details and Line‑ups

Goalkeepers: Ahmed El‑Shenawy, Sherif Ekramy, Mahmoud Gad.

The rest of the squad features a long list of outfield players not available for selection, including Mahmoud Merai, Ahmed Sami, Mohamed Shebi, Ali Gaber, Tarek Alla, Karim Hafiz, Abdulrahman Gouda, Abdulrahman Magdy, Mohaned Lasheen, Walid El Karti, Ahmed Atef Qata, Ahmed Tofiq, Mahmoud Dongaa, Mahmoud Zalaka, Mustafa Zico, Everton da Silva, Blati Touré, Vishton Mailey, Marwan Hamdi, and Dodo El‑Jabass.

Context and Outlook

Jurčić’s side are pursuing continental and global success after lifting last year’s CAF Champions League crown against Sundowns, and they recently reached the group stage of the current edition after overcoming the Ethiopian Insurance Club in Cairo. Pyramids sit seventh in the league after eight matches, with five wins, two draws and one defeat. They have scored 13 and conceded four, collecting 17 points, six behind league leaders Ceramica Cleopatra and five behind second-placed Al Ahly, who have also played 11 times.

Chairman Mamdouh Eid held a pre‑match meeting with the players, urging focus for the Sunday clash and expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to maintain their standing in Africa and on the world stage.

Super Cup and Inter‑Continental Context

The club will travel to the UAE on Monday, with a semi-final against Zamalek scheduled in Abu Dhabi on Thursday at the Unit Stadium, and the final set for Sunday November 9 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. FIFA has also announced that Qatar will host the closing rounds of the annual Club World Cup 2025, in which Pyramids are involved after their earlier triumphs at home and abroad.

Pyramids’ journey into this spotlight has featured a blend of veteran and young talent, with the squad aiming to translate domestic form into global showpieces.

Two light-hearted notes to wrap this up: if rest were a weapon, Jurčić just fired a masterclass—watch the opponents wake up to a very well‑fed defense. And remember, in football as in life, sometimes the best move is a strategic nap before the final sprint—the clock is ticking, but the bench is restful.