Latest news with #KrunoslavJurčić
IOL News
19 hours 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.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns must seize the 'advantage' after Pyramids suffer 'disaster'
In a rare twist of fortune for a South African football team in CAF competitions, Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves in a promising position ahead of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final. The clash against Egypt's Pyramids FC on Sunday in Cairo follows a hard-fought 1–1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Stadium last weekend. While Sundowns are looking to secure their second Champions League star, the challenges for Pyramids FC have mounted significantly. Despite scoring a valuable away goal in Pretoria, Pyramids head into the return leg under testing circumstances. The Egyptian Professional Clubs Association has refused to postpone their league fixture against Ceramica Cleopatra, which was scheduled for Wednesday — just days before the continental final. This decision has prompted coach Krunoslav Jurčić to label the situation a 'disaster.' He expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of support from the domestic football authorities, leaving his side to face a relentless schedule with little respite. 'We are one club; we don't have any support from the Egyptian football authorities. Zero support. We're alone. This is a disaster. I don't want to say any bad words,' said Jurčić. He emphasised that the fatigue from a midweek fixture could prove costly, especially when preparing to face a strong and disciplined side like Sundowns in a high-stakes match. Meanwhile, although Sundowns conceded a late equaliser at Loftus, head coach Miguel Cardoso remains optimistic about their chances in Cairo. He underlined the importance of staying mentally strong and maintaining belief in their ability to win on Egyptian soil. "We can't afford to let our guard down, but I believe in my team. We have the capacity and the strength to go there and fight with them,' said Cardoso. He stressed the need for a winning mindset: 'There is only one thing to do, and that is picking up the attitude and going there to win. We can score more than one goal to balance the game to our side and take it from there.' Cardoso's comments reflect the determined spirit that has characterised Sundowns' journey throughout the tournament. Despite setbacks, he insists this is a moment to draw upon collective resolve, not retreat. 'It is time to understand that the situation is there, this match is still open, and we just have to believe.' Reflecting on the first leg, Cardoso acknowledged that lapses in focus contributed to the late equaliser. He said his side lost their attacking impetus after taking the lead and became overly focused on defending the result. 'After we scored the goal, the team started thinking about closing the result rather than going for a second goal,' he explained, noting that this shift in mentality created vulnerabilities that Pyramids ultimately exploited. Now, as both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, the stakes could not be higher. For Sundowns, it's a chance to add another star to their badge and solidify their status among Africa's elite. For Pyramids, it's a battle not just on the pitch, but against mounting pressure, fatigue, and internal frustrations.
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Preview: Ahly, Pyramids FC set for tense finale in Egyptian Premier League - Egyptian Football
The Egyptian Premier League title race will go down to the wire on Wednesday, with leaders Ahly and second-placed Pyramids FC both in action on the final matchday of the season. The two heavyweights are separated by just a couple of points after seven games in the playoffs. For Ahly, who top the table with 55 points, the mission is set to be simple: their destiny is in their own hands when they take on Pharco FC. The defending champions leapfrogged Pyramids FC in the final stretch of the competition, benefiting from Pyramids' back-to-back defeats against Pharco and NBE Club. If Ahly secure a home victory over seventh-placed Pharco, they will be crowned Egyptian champions for the second consecutive season—and the 45th time in the club's history. However, a loss could open the door for Pyramids FC, who face a tough task against Ceramica Cleopatra. The rising powerhouse of Egyptian football has no option but to beat Ceramica and hope that Ahly lose, in order to have a chance of clinching their first domestic crown. Wednesday's match poses a real dilemma for Pyramids FC. While it's crucial for their league hopes, the club also faces a vital appointment on Sunday 1st June, in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns. After securing a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria, the club requested a postponement of Wednesday's game from the Egyptian Pro League, but their request was rejected. Reports suggest that coach Krunoslav Jurčić may field a second-string side against Ceramica, though no official confirmation has been made. Ceramica, for their part, are a tough opponent and are expected to fight fiercely as they bid for fourth place, which would earn them a spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup. Elsewhere on the final day, fourth-placed Masry (39 points) take on bottom side Haras El-Hodoud, while sixth-placed NBE Club (37 points) face Petrojet. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
IOL News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
CAF Champions League final finely poised as coaches eye second-leg showdown
Mamelodi Sundowns' defence swamped Fiston Mayele of Pyramids during the first leg of teh CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media The CAF Champions League final is hanging on a knife-edge, and the coaches of the two protagonists are in agreement that nothing can be taken for granted just yet. Even with the away goal advantage they gained from that last-minute equaliser to draw 1–1 with Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić was not prepared to consider his team champions just yet. The Egyptian side need only prevent Sundowns from scoring in the second leg, which they will host on Sunday, to be crowned continental champions for the first time. But the Croatian knows better than to count his chickens before they've hatched. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ 'This is only the first half,' he said in the post-match media conference. 'We still have one more match to play, and it will be a very difficult match because we know how well Sundowns play away from home.' The South African champions were disappointed to have conceded an away goal — particularly so late in the game — as Walid scored deep into the four minutes added for stoppages. But coach Miguel Cardoso believes his team has what it takes to get a result away from home, having already triumphed on the road at both Espérance and Al Ahly en route to the final of Africa's premier club competition. 'We have all the capacity and strength to go there and fight with them,' Cardoso said after the match. 'I told you it would be a very difficult match. I knew the character of the Pyramids players. I also know that we can rise and stand until the end because that's what we do — it's an opportunity to show our character.' Shuga, Vila and DJ Naves unpack the first leg draw, from standout performances to tactical adjustments that shifted momentum. 🙌 Catch the brand new episode now 📲 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 25, 2025 That character has been evident throughout the season as Sundowns returned to the final for the first time since being crowned champions in 2016. Their victories over Espérance and Al Ahly in the quarter-finals and semi-finals underscored the team's growth in the competition and give them reason to be confident ahead of the decisive clash in Cairo. 'We were in negative situations in the past and we have overcome them,' Cardoso said, alluding to the team's resilience and belief in their ability to turn the situation around. But they will come up against a side equally high on self-belief. 'I am very happy, and congratulations to my team and the team of Sundowns — I think we showed great football for the fans,' said Jurčić. 'We have shown once again, as we have done before in the Champions League, that we have excellent character and can come back after a negative result. Sundowns scored, and we came back. I am happy — and this is only the first half.' Thank you, Masandawana, for backing us all season. Your support means everything. We're ready to finish strong. Let's stay united and bring that passion right through to the end.👆#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 25, 2025
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.'
