Preview: Egypt's Pyramids, Masry aim to build on perfect Confed Cup start

Ahram Online , Saturday 7 Dec 2019

Masry
Masry beat Mauritania's FC Nouadhibou 3-2 in their opening group-stage game (Photo: Masry's official Facebook page)

Egypt's Pyramids FC and Masry will be looking to build on their fine start to the Confederation Cup group-stage campaign and take an early firm grip when they host Mauritania's FC Nouadhibou and Nigeria's Enugu Rangers respectively on Sunday.

Both sides registered vital away wins in Group A, with Masry striking in stoppage time to earn a thrilling 3-2 win over Nouadhibou and Pyramids netting two late goals in a 3-1 victory over Rangers.

Should they win their respective home games, they will be in pole position to advance to the quarter-finals of Africa's secondary club competition.

Both sides are also in a buoyant mood after easing into the Egypt Cup round of 16 with comprehensive victories over lower-division opponents.

Masry can take heart from the recent impressive displays of burly striker Austin Amutu, whose double salvo against Nouadhibou included a stunning solo effort.

But coach Ihab Galal warned his side against underestimating Rangers in their second group game.

"Our opponents will be eager to win to make up for the opening loss to keep alive their chances of reaching the last eight," Galal told the pre-match news conference.

Galal also said he hopes recent injuries won't take their toll on the team after winger Emad Fathi and central midfielder Farid Shawky were ruled out of the game.

Pyramids are also dealing with injury problems of their own as they still miss key playmaker Abdallah El-Said. However, their abundance of attacking talents should help them cover for their prized asset against Nouadhibou.

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