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The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Pyramids celebrate first ever African title and set sights on competing with Al Ahly and Zamalek
Egyptian upstarts Pyramids celebrated a first ever African title on Sunday night – but their Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic admitted they still face a struggle to assert themselves domestically. Having secured a 1-1 draw away in Pretoria against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg, the Egyptians were slight favourites heading into the decisive return game on home turf. And so it transpired, with their 2-1 win on the night sealing a historic 3-2 aggregate victory. Pyramids' goals came from Congolese striker Fiston Mayele in the 24th minute and defender Ahmed Samy 10 minutes into the second half. Sundowns managed to reduce the arrears with a goal from Ikram Reiners in the 75th minute, but the hosts saw the job through. Pyramids – who changed their name, moved to Cairo and won promotion to the Egyptian top flight seven years ago – were able to celebrate by far the biggest night since adopting their new identity. It was only their second trophy – after Egyptian Cup success last season – and came in just their second CAF 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 football but often 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 [in Egypt],' 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 pre-match appeals for support led to a 30,000-strong crowd at Sunday's decider in the June 30 Stadium, usually largely empty for their games. Cairo's passionate football followers traditionally support either Al Ahly or Zamalek, with precious little affection for any of the other sides based in the city. 'I'm very grateful for the crowd that came today,' said Jurcic 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 to get them up for the matches.' 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,' he added. 'But whether we can stay a force is something to see in the future.'
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Pyramids are champions of continent but still second best at home
CAIRO :Unfancied Pyramids of Egypt 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." SUPPORT 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 noone 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.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns confident of returning the African crown back to Pretoria
Mamelodi Sundowns players greet the crowd with confidence in the camp high that they will find a way past Pyramids in the second leg of the Caf Champions League in Cairo. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Mamelodi Sundowns' camp is high on confidence that they'll be crowned the 'Kings of African Football' when the final whistle goes in Cairo. Sundowns will face Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final second leg at 30 June Stadium on Sunday night (7pm kick-off). They are on a bit of a backfoot as Pyramids scored in the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria, resulting in the Pharaohs taking home an away goal advantage. But Sundowns have ample confidence that they can turn the tide in the second leg as the draw at home last weekend was due to their own doing. Speaking to Mamelodi Sundowns TV on 'Road to the Final of Finals: Episode 9', midfielder Teboho Mokoena reflected on what went wrong for them at home a week ago. 'I am sure that we'll pitch up and do our best, and lift the trophy,' Mokoena beamed with positivity, before going down memory. 'I don't think Pyramids played against the Sundowns that we know last Saturday (back in Pretoria). 'I think we were nervous, we were not free. Of course, in the second half we came back better, but in the last minute we lost concentration and conceded. 'It was very tough, and sad. We thought we had the game. But it didn't go the way we planned. 'One thing for sure, if we had to decide to take a team that has lost or through the game that must win (the next game) should be Sundowns.'
