TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final; Shot At Glory: Pyramids eye first-ever continental title

CAF

21-05-2025

They've flirted with continental success before, but now Pyramids FC stand just two matches away from making history. With millions invested and a growing continental pedigree, the Cairo-based outfit are preparing for the biggest moment in the club's young existence—a two-legged TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The decisive tie will unfold over two legs, with the first showdown at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on May 24, before the grand finale in Cairo on June 1, 2025.
Ruthless in the Early Rounds
From the very start, Krunoslav Jurčić's side laid down a marker. In the first round, Pyramids thrashed JKU SC 6-0 away before wrapping things up 3-1 in the return leg in Cairo. In the second round, they drew 1-1 away to APR FC before cruising past them 3-1 at home.
Those early signs of dominance showed Pyramids' attacking intent and confidence, especially at home, where they averaged more than three goals per game in the qualifiers.
Mixed Group Stage, But Progress Secured
Placed in Group D, Pyramids FC had to navigate a tricky draw with the likes of Esperance, Djoliba, and Sagrada. Despite some turbulence—including a 2-0 defeat to Esperance in Tunisia and a frustrating goalless draw with Djoliba—they rallied impressively.
They exacted revenge on Esperance in Cairo with a 2-1 win, dismantled Djoliba 6-0, and secured progression with a key away win against Sagrada. Pyramids finished the group stage with 10 points from six matches, showing resilience and maturity when it mattered most.
A Quarter-Final Masterclass
Jurčić's tactical nous was fully displayed in the quarter-finals against AS FAR Rabat, one of Morocco's most tactically disciplined sides. The first leg in Rabat saw Pyramids struggle and fall 2-0, but in the return leg at home, the Egyptians flipped the script with a 4-1 hammering, advancing 4-3 on aggregate.
The match was symbolic of Pyramids' mentality shift—they are no longer continental tourists. They are title-hunters with the grit to recover from adversity.
Cairo Breakthrough: Semi-Final Redemption
The semi-finals saw them square off against Orlando Pirates, a side known for their attacking style and PSL pedigree. In Johannesburg, Pyramids held firm for a 0-0 draw, and back in Egypt, they triumphed 3-2 in a high-octane thriller.
That win not only booked their place in the final but also sent a clear message: Pyramids can go toe-to-toe with Southern Africa's elite and come out on top.
Krunoslav Jurčić's Blueprint
The Croatian tactician has quietly built a balanced unit, leaning on formations like 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 attacking, depending on the opponent. Key to his success has been the flexibility of his midfielders and the goalscoring edge of his front line, especially in home fixtures where Pyramids have scored 13 goals in their last four TotalEnergies CAF Champions League matches.
His ability to adjust and react mid-match has turned Pyramids into one of the most tactically intelligent sides in this season's competition.
Can they now beat Sundowns?
They face Sundowns, a club with pedigree, experience, and a deep squad. The challenge is immense—but so is the opportunity. The first leg in Pretoria on May 24 will be a test of their temperament, and the second leg in front of their own fans on June 1 will be the night they dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.
For a club founded just over a decade ago, Pyramids FC reaching this final is already a landmark moment. But with form, belief, and home advantage in the second leg, this might just be their time to shock the continent.
From pretenders to contenders—Pyramids FC now have one final mountain to climb.