Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurcic has appealed to Egyptian football fans to fill the stands for Sunday’s CAF Champions League final second leg against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo, as the club chases its first continental title.
Despite representing Egypt on the African stage, the Cairo-based side lacks the mass fanbase enjoyed by city rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek, who often draw 73,000-strong crowds. Pyramids, on the other hand, typically play before only a few thousand supporters.
“We are almost alone. We deserve support; we are representing Egypt,” said Jurcic, a former Croatia international midfielder, as he urged the public to back the team during this crucial moment.
Pyramids earned a dramatic 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria last weekend, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Walid El Karti, after Sundowns had taken the lead early in the second half through Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro.
The result puts the Pyramids in a slightly favourable position, especially with Africa still applying the away goals rule. A goalless draw in Cairo would see the Egyptian club crowned champions.
If the second leg ends 1-1, the match goes to penalties. A higher-scoring draw would hand Sundowns the title, which they previously won in 2016.
This campaign marks only the second time Pyramids have competed in the Champions League. Their rise has been fuelled by significant investment from Saudi and, more recently, Emirati backers.
Founded in 2008 as Al Assiouty, the club was relocated to Cairo and rebranded in 2018, quickly becoming a destination for top talent from Egypt and across Africa.
Jurcic has relied on a largely Egyptian squad, supported by key internationals such as Moroccan duo Mohamed Chibi and El Karti, Burkinabe midfielder Blati Touré, and Congolese striker Fiston Mayele, who all started in Pretoria.
The Croatian coach, known for his attacking style, praised his players for their resilience against a more experienced Sundowns side.
“They were heroes and deserve full credit for a superb performance,” he said. “Sundowns have far more Champions League experience.”
Sundowns, who are competing in the tournament for the 18th time, have consistently reached the latter stages since lifting the trophy in 2016, rarely missing the knockout rounds.
By contrast, the Pyramids were eliminated in the group stage during their debut last season. They did manage a draw away to Sundowns but suffered a home defeat to the South African side.
Jurcic admitted to feeling the pressure ahead of the decisive leg: “I’m nervous because we haven’t won anything yet.”
To prepare, the team rested several key players during their 5-1 domestic win over Ceramica Cleopatra. Despite that result, they finished second behind Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League.
Pyramids now have their sights on a potential double, as they are also set to face Zamalek in the Egypt FA Cup final on June 5.
Meanwhile, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is determined to avoid back-to-back Champions League final defeats, having lost last year’s final with Tunisian side Esperance to Al Ahly.
“The outcome is still open. We need mental strength and hunger to win,” said the Portuguese tactician. “True heroes are those who shine in adversity.”
Like the Pyramids, Sundowns are well-funded, owned by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, and run by his son Tlhopie. They have just secured an eighth consecutive South African league title but remain determined to reclaim continental glory.
