Pyramids FC have made history by becoming the fourth Egyptian club to win the prestigious CAF Champions League title.
In only their second appearance in the tournament, Pyramids defeated South African rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in Cairo on Sunday, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory in the final.
Congolese striker Fiston Mayele, Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic, and Emirati businessman Salem al Shamsi were instrumental in the club’s triumph.
Mayele, 30, was the tournament’s top scorer, netting nine of Pyramids’ 37 goals across 16 matches. His decisive contributions included two goals in both the quarter-finals against FAR Rabat and the semi-finals against Orlando Pirates, and a crucial opening goal against Sundowns in the final’s second leg.
Mayele, who joined Pyramids in mid-2023 from Tanzania’s Young Africans, is known for his predatory instincts and clinical finishing.
Coach Krunoslav Jurcic, 55, proved to be a revelation. Largely unknown in African football before the knockout stages, his offensive tactics surprised opponents like Pirates and Sundowns, marking a departure from the traditional defensive approach often seen in Egyptian clubs.
Jurcic’s high winning rate with Pyramids, combined with his energetic sideline presence, has garnered praise.
The financial backing of Emirati businessman Salem al Shamsi has been pivotal to Pyramids’ rise. His investment has enabled the club, which rebranded from Al Assiouty in 2018, to compete with Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek for top local and international talent.
Beyond Mayele, key foreign players like Moroccan defender Mohamed Chibi, Moroccan midfielder Walid el Karti, and Burkina Faso midfielder Blati Toure also played significant roles in the final.
Pyramids’ captain and veteran goalkeeper Ahmed el Shenawy, a former Zamalek player who lost to Sundowns in the 2016 Champions League final, expressed immense joy at the final whistle.
Pyramids will have little time to celebrate their continental triumph, however, as they are set to face Zamalek on Thursday in the Egyptian FA Cup final, followed by a CAF Super Cup match against Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane.
