Preview: Ahly, Pyramids FC face off to end game of musical chairs for league’s summit

Mahmoud Elassal , Monday 7 Mar 2022

Since the start of the new season of the Egyptian Premier League, Ahly and Pyramids FC have been playing a game of musical chairs over the domestic competition’s first place despite the Red Devils still having a game in hand due to their participation in the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup.

Ahly

Ahly are set to face Pyramids FC in the postponed game of the 8th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday at El-Salam Stadium, with the two teams expected to do their best to snatch an early lead.

Big-spending club Pyramids are in the driving seat of the league’s table with 26 points, one point over runners-up Ahly, who played one game less.

Since the takeover in summer 2018, Pyramids FC have become the Reds' nemesis. They have prevailed in their head-to-head record winning three matches, drawing three and losing one.  

Pyramids FC will have to do without the services of Tunisian striker Fakhereedine Ben Youssef due to an injury, but they have all their key players available, including January summer signings Fagrie Lakay of South Africa, Blati Toure of Burkina Faso in addition to veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said, former Ahly winger Ramadan Sobhi and Moroccan midfielder Walid El Karti.

“The game against Pyramids FC is expected to be tough as they are putting on a superb performance this season,” Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz told a television programme.

“Despite the tough away mission against Mamelodi Sundowns that is awaiting us on Saturday, we will be bringing in our big guns against Pyramids.”

“It is difficult to play the game against Pyramids with young players, so we will play with our regular squad,” Abdel-Hafiz added.

“The game against Pyramids is an important match but it’s not a decisive game, as we still have a busy schedule this season,” Ahly’s football director said.

Pyramids FC will be eager to make use of their perfect run in the CAF Confederation Cup, as they are leading their Group A with a flawless 9 points after playing three games.

Meanwhile, Ahly are slightly lagging behind in the CAF Champions League, as they have only collected four points from three games, placing second in Group A.

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