logo
Pyramids crowned African champions, still in shadow of Cairo giants

Pyramids crowned African champions, still in shadow of Cairo giants

Dubai Eye02-06-2025
Egyptian club Pyramids might have been crowned African champions on Sunday, but their Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic said they still faced a struggle to assert themselves in their own country.
The club - who changed their name, moved to Cairo and won promotion to the Egyptian top flight seven years ago - triumphed in the Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate win over two legs against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
It was only a second trophy, after Egyptian Cup success last season, for the club in just their second Champions League campaign.
They have been seeking to emerge from the shadow of Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, who have not only dominated Egyptian competition but the Champions League as well.
"When I started with the team last season, we played excellent football and had a long run of winning matches in a row but even then, this was not enough to be champion here,' said Jurcic.
"This year again, we were very close but you know that Al Ahly is the best club in Africa, they are very good, they are very strong and it's very difficult to compete against a club like them."
The 55-year-old Jurcic was delighted that his appeals for support ensured a 30,000-strong crowd at Sunday's decider in the June 30 Stadium, usually largely empty for their games, where they won the second leg 2-1.
Cairo's passionate football followers traditionally support either Al Ahly or Zamalek, with little affection for any of the other sides based in the city.
'I'm very grateful for the crowd that came today,' he said after lifting the trophy. 'Usually we get to the stadium 90 minutes before kickoff and there is no one here.
'It's disheartening for the players, and I find it's my job to transmit positive energy to try and get them up for the matches,' Jurcic added.
The former Croatia international, who played for his country when they finished third at the 1998 World Cup, patrolled the touchline like a man possessed, jumping up and down and cajoling his players throughout the 90 minutes of action.
'I believe that I can transmit my energy in a positive way, and I think that we can be competitive in the future with all the best teams in Egypt.
'But whether we can stay a force is something to see in the future,' he added.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Africa24 Group Signs Groundbreaking Partnership with the Ivorian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Federation
Africa24 Group Signs Groundbreaking Partnership with the Ivorian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Federation

Zawya

time3 hours ago

  • Zawya

Africa24 Group Signs Groundbreaking Partnership with the Ivorian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Federation

Africa24 Group ( the largest media group in Africa and broadcaster of four HD television channels, has signed a landmark partnership agreement with the Ivorian MMA Federation (Mixed Martial Arts) to promote, broadcast, and elevate the profile of MMA in Côte d'Ivoire and across the continent. This strategic collaboration aims to spotlight local and regional talent through exclusive reports on athletes, dedicated programming on all MMA competitions, and the promotion of core values of the sport such as discipline, self-improvement, respect, and inclusion. Catch exclusive footage now available on replay. ( Unrivaled Distribution and Audience Reach for Sports in Africa The growth of MMA and sports across Africa represents a key priority for Africa24 Group — creating opportunities for youth, fostering a professional sports ecosystem, and positioning Africa as a global reservoir of emerging talent in one of the world's fastest-growing disciplines. This partnership will further enrich the unique editorial offering of Africa24 Sport, the continent's first and only 24/7 African sports news and competitions channel. "This agreement with the Ivorian MMA Federation is a positive step forward for sports fans across Africa. Africa24 Group is committed to delivering high-quality content through a platform accessible to all. This new milestone should benefit all sports, national and continental federations, and Olympic committees across Africa. It's about building a shared platform that ensures maximum visibility, unparalleled exposure, and unprecedented reach for every sport on the continent," said Constant NEMALE, Founder and President of Africa24 Group. Through this partnership, Africa24 reinforces its ambition to connect African sports to the world, while actively contributing to the professionalization of MMA in Africa — to the great satisfaction of the Ivorian MMA Federation. "Mixed Martial Arts in Côte d'Ivoire is evolving fast. The sport is growing steadily, backed by a strong organizational structure and promising momentum. I believe it has a bright future both in Côte d'Ivoire and across Africa," said Jackson Parfait TAPÉ, President of the Ivorian MMA Federation. "MMA needs greater visibility, not only in Côte d'Ivoire but also globally. This partnership between the Ivorian MMA Federation (FIMMA) and Africa24 Sport is precisely aimed at showcasing a sport that is taking root and expanding in our country," added Guillaume BEDA, Vice President of the Ivorian MMA Federation. As a key partner for sports development in Africa, Africa24 Group is mobilizing all its resources to serve MMA enthusiasts. Throughout the duration of this partnership, Africa24's channels will broadcast all MMA competitions, with dedicated magazine shows and a team of expert journalists and passionate analysts delivering world-class coverage. With Africa24 Group, expect nothing less than exceptional sports entertainment. AFRICA24 – Together, Let's Transform Africa Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group. Contact: Communications Department Africa24 Group Gaëlle Stella Oyono Email: onana@ Tel: +237 694 90 99 88 Social Media: @ africa24tv About Africa24: Launched in 2009, Africa24 Group is the continent's leading TV and digital media network. It is the top media brand among decision-makers and senior executives in Africa and beyond. Africa24 operates four HD television channels available 24/7 via major global networks: Africa24 also operates myafrica24, the first HD streaming platform dedicated to Africa, accessible worldwide on all devices (smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs). With global distribution through top operators and platforms (Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell...), Africa24 is available in over 80 million households and boasts a digital community of more than 8 million followers across web and social media. Africa24 is the go-to media platform for global leaders seeking to engage with Africa-related topics. About the Ivorian MMA Federation: The Ivorian MMA Federation is responsible for the organization, regulation, and promotion of Mixed Martial Arts in Côte d'Ivoire. The federation supports athletes, upholds sports ethics, and promotes MMA as both an elite sport and a powerful tool for social inclusion.

Botswana to host ICC Women's T20 World Cup Division 2 Africa Qualifier
Botswana to host ICC Women's T20 World Cup Division 2 Africa Qualifier

Int'l Cricket Council

time6 days ago

  • Int'l Cricket Council

Botswana to host ICC Women's T20 World Cup Division 2 Africa Qualifier

The road for African nations to the expanded senior ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England 2026 commences with the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier taking place in Botswana from 20 to 26 July. The Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) Oval 1 and Oval 2 grounds, which are adjacent to each other, will play host to the senior women's cricket teams from Rwanda, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. The teams are split into two groups of four each, with cross-over semifinals and placement playoffs. A total of 20 matches shall be played over seven days. The winners and runners-up of the tournament will proceed to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier which will be held in Namibia from 31 August to 6 September this year. In his welcoming remarks for the tournament, the Vice-Chairman of the Botswana Cricket Association, Sumod Damodar, said: 'On behalf of the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) Board, management and all stakeholders, it gives me immense pleasure to welcome all the teams and the ICC officials to the tournament. 'Botswana has hosted a few such tournaments in the recent past and as such most, if not all the participants, would be coming home away from home. 'I sincerely hope that all the games would be played in the true spirit of cricket, and that the performances will continue to grow from strength to strength. May the best teams win'. The participating squads are as follows: Rwanda: Marie D. Bimenyimana (Captain), Clarisse Umutoniwase, Belise Murekatete, Geovanis Uwase, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Gisele Ishimwe, Henrietta Ishimwe, Mervielle Uwase, Rosine Irera, Rossette Shimwamana, Slyvia Usabyimana, Sarah Uwera, Georgette Ingabire, Alice Ikuzwe Botswana: Tuelo Shadrack (Captain), Pako Mapotsane, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Kesego Inakale, Laura Mophakedi, Oratile Kgeresi, Aliya Motorwala, Onneile Keitsemang, Maatla Sefati, Goitseone Setshwane, Merapelo Phiase, Wendy Moutswi, Tlhalefo Godisamang, Goabilwe Matome Sierra Leone: Aminata B. Kamara (Captain), Emma Kamara, Fatu Conteh, Zainab Kamara, Celina Bull, Patricia Pratt, Hussainatu Sawanneh, Linda Bull, Alice Fillie, Fatu Pessima, Marie Turay, Isha Kariatu Bangura, Hassanatu Sawanah, Ann Marie Kamara Cameroon: Ekani Solange (Captain), Nseke Madeline, Waluma Brenda, Ngono Adrienne, Ranedoumoun Olive, Guehoada Edwige, Douma Francine, Nangeh Diom, Kana Garcia, Ngo Cathy, Akenji Sonita, Aboui Manuella, Etoga Marguerite, Manidom Ingrid Malawi: Ketrina Chingaipe (Captain), Lucy Bigula, Angela Lumbe, Sophina Chinawa, Praise Maziya, Sungeni Kananji, Esther Richard, Lydia Dimba, Lucy Malino, Febbe Malefula, Eva Kabwere, Christina Bwanali, Triphonia Luka, Lucy Wesley Mozambique: Angelica Filipe Salomao (Captain), Olga Carlos Mondlane, Rosalia Pichano Haiong, Cristina Fernando Magaia, Isabel Cristina Chuma, Amelia Lucas Mundundo, Laura Francisco Chipanga, Ilza Artur Machava, Irene Ermelinda Mulhovo, Wisley Nely A. Bucuane, Yudney Da Kley M. Murrure, Regina Osvaldo Mazumba, Alda Luis Mangue, Olga Arnaldo Matsolo Eswatini: Mbali Dlamini (Captain), Tibusiso Dlamini, Noncedo Simelane, Lethokuhle Gwebu, Lindokuhle Mamba, Nkosiingiphile Mamba, Tenele Malinga, Ntombizini Gwebu, Zinhle Shabalala, Lihle Shabalala, Lulama Simelane, Nothando Mabila, Ntombizodwa Mkhatshwa, Winile Ginindza Lesotho: Maneo Nyabela (Captain), Mosa Tsemane, Tsepang Khabo, Paballo Pheko, Thato Mahe, Kananelo Molapo, Makopano Mabathona, Boitumelo Phelanyane, Kananelo Mabitle, Boitumelo Tlali, Retsepile Limema, Tanki Ramabitsa, Nthama Kobeli, Nthatuoa Thekiso Match schedule: Sunday, 20 July: Morning: Rwanda vs Lesotho at BCA Oval 1 Botswana vs Eswatini at BCA Oval 2 Afternoon: Malawi vs Cameroon at BCA Oval 1 Mozambique vs Sierra Leone at BCA Oval 2 Monday, 21 July: Morning: Botswana vs Mozambique at BCA Oval 1 Rwanda vs Malawi at BCA Oval 2 Afternoon: Sierra Leone vs Eswatini at BCA Oval 1 Cameroon vs Lesotho at BCA Oval 2 Tuesday, 22 July: Rest Day Wednesday, 23 July: Morning: Malawi vs Lesotho at BCA Oval 1 Eswatini vs Mozambique at BCA Oval 2 Afternoon: Botswana vs Sierra Leone at BCA Oval 1 Rwanda vs Cameroon at BCA Oval 2 Thursday, 24 July: Morning: Semifinal 1 (TBD) at BCA Oval 1 Semifinal 3 (TBD) at BCA Oval 2 Afternoon: Semifinal 2 (TBD) at BCA Oval 1 Semifinal 4 (TBD) at BCA Oval 2 Friday, 25 July: Rest day Saturday, 26 July: Morning: 3rd Place Playoff (TBD) at BCA Oval 1 7th Place Playoff (TBD) at BCA Oval 2 Afternoon: Final (TBD) at BCA Oval 1 5th Place Playoff (TBD) at BCA Oval 2 All matches will be live on

Yamal inherits Barcelona's iconic number 10 jersey
Yamal inherits Barcelona's iconic number 10 jersey

Al Etihad

time17-07-2025

  • Al Etihad

Yamal inherits Barcelona's iconic number 10 jersey

17 July 2025 11:49 BARCELONA (Reuters)Barcelona's electric 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal has been handed the famous number 10 shirt previously worn by club icon Lionel Messi, capping a remarkable breakthrough season for the earned the jersey after a stellar campaign where he netted 18 goals and provided 25 assists as Barcelona swept the domestic treble of LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup while they reached the Champions League youngster, who wore the number 19 shirt last season, had already committed his long-term future to the club, signing a contract extension in May that will keep him at Barcelona until Wednesday, he received the number 10 shirt from club president Joan Laporta in a special number 10 shirt carries enormous weight at the Camp Nou, having been worn by Messi during his trophy-laden tenure at the club that shaped his Argentine claimed 34 trophies with Barcelona and departed as the club's all-time leading scorer with 672 goals, although he left after the 2020-21 season due to the club's financial number 10 shirt at Barcelona was also worn by greats such as Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho, but Yamal said he would not be weighed down by its legacy."Messi paved the way with the number 10, I will make mine," Yamal told reporters."They are three soccer and club legends. Every kid dreams of having something from Messi, Ronaldinho and Maradona... I'll try to carry on that legacy."First, my dream was to debut for Barca and wear the number 10. Everyone who grows up here dreams of that. I'm grateful to the club."Following Messi's exit, the jersey was passed to young winger Ansu Fati but the now 22-year-old failed to live up to his early promise and he was eventually loaned out to Brighton & Hove will spend next season on loan at AS Monaco, clearing the way for Yamal to inherit one of football's most famous shirt also won the European Championship with Spain last year, Yamal said his next goal was to win the titles that are missing from his trophy cabinet. "I haven't won the Champions League and the World Cup," he said. "These are my goals now."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store