Despite having a squad capable of clinching the continental title, the big-spending club suffered an early elimination from the competition's group stage last season, finishing at the bottom of the group.

"The match against Sagrada is crucial; securing a victory in the opening game of the group stage is essential to boost morale for our upcoming matches," emphasized Pyramids FC's Croatian coach, Krunoslav Jurcic, during the pre-match news conference on Monday.

Pyramids, who finished the season as league runners-up, are making their second-ever appearance in the Champions League.

The team aims to leverage their unbeaten start in the Egyptian Premier League to make a mark in African football.

Leading the league table alongside Ahly, Masry, and Ittihad of Alexandria with seven points each, Pyramids are currently enjoying a successful period with two consecutive league wins.

The 54-year-old coach stressed the importance of capitalizing on this positive run in the Champions League.

Drawn into Group D alongside Esperance Tunis, runners-up of the previous edition, Sagrada Esperanca of Angola, and Djoliba of Mali, Pyramids FC will have a good chance to go through the group stage.

Pyramids FC secured their place in the group stage with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Rwanda's APR FC in the preliminary round, while Sagrada progressed by overcoming Enugu Rangers International FC with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline in thei

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