Pyramids coach hails big character for Sundowns draw
'It's only the first half and you have one more match because we know that Sundowns play very well away,' said Jurčić
Pyramids FC players celebrate a goal during the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on the 24 May 2025 © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić is understandably pleased with his side's performance following the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.
The Egyptian team fought back to equalise deep into injury time after Lucas Ribeiro had given Sundowns the lead early in the second half. Walid El Karti's headed equaliser could prove to be a crucial away goal for the Cairo-based side.
ALSO READ: Pyramids stun Sundowns with late equaliser
Heading into next Sunday's return leg, Pyramids will have the advantage due to the away goals rule. A goalless draw would be enough for them to claim their first continental championship.
'It's only the first half and you have one more match because we know that Sundowns play very well away,' Jurčić said.
'I'm very happy and congratulations to my team and the team of Sundowns. We played nice football tonight and all the people that are watching this match can be satisfied.
'I'm very proud of how my players played the whole match, especially in the first half we could have finished the match because we had very good situations to score from. But we didn't score and after that the very first good chance for Sundowns had, they scored from it. At that point, it normally becomes negative.
'We've shown in the past and in this competition of the champions league that we have a big character and that we can come back after going down so I want to congratulate my players because I'm really proud.'
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Pyramids next play Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday before thinking of the second leg against the Tshwane giants.
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