Latest news with #Jurčić
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Jurcic hails Egyptian fans after historic TotalEnergies CAF Champions League triumph
Published: Tuesday, 03 June 2025 Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurčić has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Egyptian fans after guiding the club to their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title. The Egyptian side sealed a 2-1 victory over South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo on Sunday night, clinching the final 3-2 on aggregate and completing a remarkable journey under the Croatian tactician. 'I don't know what to say,' Jurcic said who looked stunned after the final whistle following the heroics of his team. 'We succeeded in winning the CAF Champions League, and we deserved it. I consider winning the title a reward for the work we put in throughout the season.' The 54-year-old coach, who previously led clubs in Croatia and the Gulf, became the first Croatian to lift Africa's most prestigious club trophy. Pyramids' triumph makes them the fourth Egyptian club to win the competition after Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily — and the fifth Egyptian side overall to win a continental title following Arab Contractors in the CAF Cup Winners' Cup. In a tightly contested match at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium, Congolese striker Fiston Mayele scored the opener before Ahmed Samy doubled the lead for the hosts. Despite a second-half strike from Sundowns' Iqraam Rayners, Pyramids held firm to lift the new-look silver and gold CAF Champions League trophy. Jurčić singled out the Egyptian supporters for their role in the final. 'I thank the Egyptian fans for supporting Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final. "The fans flocked here to cheer us on. I asked them to do so, and I thank them for fulfilling my request,' he said. He added: 'The Egyptian fans gave us special energy and helped Pyramids beat Sundowns. We were all together.' The victory ensures Pyramids a place in multiple prestigious competitions: they will face Moroccan side RS Berkane in the 2025 CAF Super Cup, compete in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup against the winner of Auckland City and Al-Ahly Jeddah, and represent Africa at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The Cairo-based side's dramatic rise under Jurčić marks a new era in Egyptian football, as Pyramids join the elite of African club football — both on the pitch and on the international stage.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Words Don't Come Easy - victorious CAF Champions League coach Krunoslav Jurčić
Krunoslav Jurčić was overwhelmed with joy, finding himself at a loss for words to articulate the significance of Sunday's monumental CAF Champions League conquest in Cairo. The Croatian coach guided Pyramids FC to their first-ever CAF Champions League title, overcoming the formidable South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2–1 in a thrilling final. The score secured a 3–2 aggregate win, following a 1–1 draw in last week's first leg in Pretoria. After the game, Jurčić expressed a deep sense of pride and humility. His initial response was simple yet profound: 'I don't know what to say. "We achieved the accomplishment and were able to win the African Championship, and we deserved it.' Reflecting on the team's Champions League journey this season, Jurčić emphasised that it was a collective effort which led to this triumphant moment. 'We truly deserved this title,' he said, underlining the hard work and dedication that defined Pyramids' campaign. 'This trophy is a gift from God for our efforts.' Jurčić did not shy away from acknowledging the crucial role played by his players, whom he hailed as warriors for their relentless fight on the pitch. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I want to thank the players for everything they have done. They truly deserve to be African champions,' he declared. The Cairo evening air crackled with excitement as the fervent backing of around 15 000 fans transformed the arena into a vibrant cauldron of sound and colour. This modest attendance in the 30 000-seater stadium set the spirited tone for the match. As the team took to the pitch, the energy was palpable; each cheer and chant seemed to fire them up further, painting a picture of unity and passion rarely seen for a club long dwelling in the shadows of Egypt's most admired sides — Al Ahly and Zamalek. These two teams have collectively won the CAF Champions League 17 times. 'I thank the supporters for their presence and their unwavering support. They played a vital role in our victory,' said Jurčić, underscoring the impact of the crowd's backing. 'There were many fans who came behind the team. I asked the Egyptian fans to support us, and I thank them for coming and for giving us the energy that helped us win. We — supporters from different clubs — were all together.' The win places Pyramids FC in elite company as the fourth Egyptian team to secure the coveted Champions League title, joining the ranks of Ismaily SC, Al Ahly SC (12), and Zamalek SC (five), while increasing Egypt's overall title count to 19. This victory was particularly sweet, coming in the wake of Al Ahly's dominance in the previous two editions of the tournament.
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
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.' ALSO READ: Nabi – Some people are not happy Chiefs are back Pyramids next play Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday before thinking of the second leg against the Tshwane giants.
TimesLIVE
24-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
‘This is the biggest match of my career': Pyramids coach Jurčić ahead of final with Sundowns
Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić has been around for a long time but he had no hesitation declaring the Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns is the biggest match of his managerial career. Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb and Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Nasr are among top teams he coached before he arrived at Pyramids where he has won numerous cup competitions. Speaking at Loftus before Pyramids FC concluded their preparations for the first leg on Saturday, Jurčić said there is motivation from him and the players to cross the finish line and return to Egypt with an advantage. 'This is the biggest match of my career and this is enough motivation to do everything to win the match,' he said, flanked by attacker Dodo El Gabbas. Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić and striker Dodo Elgabas ahead of Champions League final against Sundowns. WATCH full press conference ➡️➡️➡️ — Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) May 23, 2025 'I came to this club one year and three months ago and as a coach you have to be fast to get to know the group. I found a very good group of players and that is a good base for the coach to start. 'We had a lot of matches within a short space of time over the past three months but we are not complaining because my idea is to focus only on the next match. 'Hopefully we can make something, we are tired but I think we have enough energy to finish the job.' El Gabbas said they have worked hard to reach the final. 'We are proud as a team to reach this stage of the competition. It was a dream for us from the beginning of the season to be in the final. It is a proud feeling among the players in the team and it is a huge motivation to do well. 'Everybody is happy that we are in the final against a good team but we need to be have concentration to be able to do something good for ourselves and the club.'
CAF
21-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final; Shot At Glory: Pyramids eye first-ever continental title
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.
