When Fire Meets Turf: Yurchich Sparks a Heated Prep as Pyramids Kick Africans with APR FC

Match prep sparks controversy

Croatian coach Krunoslav Yurčitš, the head coach of Pyramids FC, erupted in fury just hours before the start of his team’s bid to defend the CAF Champions League title against APR FC of Rwanda.

Yurčitš guided Pyramids to the CAF Champions League crown for the first time in their history after they overcame Mamelodi Sundowns in last season’s final.

The upcoming tie was delayed due to the Egyptian side’s commitments in the Intercontinental Cup, which featured a dramatic 3-0 win over Oakland City in the first round and a 3-1 victory over Al-Ittihad Saudi in Jeddah in the second round, keeping their continental march on track.

Pyramids then advanced to the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Cup after lifting the Tri-Continental Cup, with rising expectations of reaching the final against Paris Saint‑Germain in Doha on December 17.

Sharp attack on the Rwanda Army

In a pre-match press conference, Yurčitš voiced incredulity at APR FC’s insistence on playing the opening fixture in a heat-heavy Kigali venue on an artificial turf. He noted that Rwanda has excellent stadiums and stressed that the tactical conditions should not overshadow the match, because football is about performance, not weather excuses.

He added that, as always, Pyramids travels to win and that the club bears the continental title tag, so every game must reflect their ambition and resolve.

He acknowledged that defending the title for a second year is challenging due to stiff competition among Africa’s big clubs, but the aim remains clear: to win, no matter the circumstances.

Yurčitš also observed that Rwanda’s team has evolved since last year, bringing in a new group of players. He warned that the game would not be easy and that APR FC should be respected.

“I’ve watched several APR matches in the Cecafa region recently and know what they’re capable of,” he said, underscoring the need for a strong start in the competition that bears their crown.

Pyramids’ injuries

The Egyptian side travels with several absences, notably Ramadan Sobhi and Osama Galal, who are sidelined with injuries, along with goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami for technical reasons.

On the flip side, Pyramids expect the return of key players like Mahmoud Mar’i and Walid El Karti to bolster midfield and defense.

The team’s final training session took place on the match venue, following CAF directives, while a technical meeting set the kit colors: Pyramids would wear a green away kit, and the goalkeeper’s attire would be orange; APR FC would wear white with the goalkeeper in yellow.

Representing Pyramids at the technical meeting were Ahmed Zahr, team manager, Mustafa Tantawy, communications director, Dr. Mustafa Al-Maniri, medical chief, Shreef Gamal, PR director, and Aatif Shadi, media chief.

Predicted lineup

Yurčitš is expected to field his usual XI, with goalkeeper Ahmed El Shennawi behind a back four of Ahmed Sami, Ali Jaber, Mohammed Al-Sheibi, and Mohammed Hamdi. In midfield, Blaati Toure, Mohan Lashine, Walid El Karti, with right winger Ahmed Atta “Cat” and left winger Mahmoud Abdelhafez “Zalaaqa” supplying the attack for the striker Festus Mayile. The coach also has dangerous options in Mustafa Fathi, Everton Da Silva, and Mustafa El-Raouf “Ziko” as impact replacements.

Kick-off and venue details aside, Yurčitš’s message was simple: start strong, start smart, and start with victory as the continent’s spotlight returns to Kigali.

Two lighthearted lines to close the tension: If football were a sniper, Yurčitš just reloaded the barrel; if the pitch could talk, Kigali would say, “Nice day for a tactical chess game.”