Preview: Pyramids FC aim to reclaim group summit against Esperance in CAF CL

Mahmoud Elassal , Saturday 4 Jan 2025

Pyramids FC, the Egyptian side, are gearing up to host Esperance de Tunis in the upcoming fourth round of the CAF Champions League group stage on Sunday, with their sights set on securing the top spot in Group D.

Djoliba vs Pyramids
Pyramids Midfielder Ramadan Sobhi in action during the match with Djoliba. Photo courtesy of Pyramids Facebook page.

 

Following a 2-0 defeat against Esperance de Tunis in the third round in mid-December, Pyramids FC conceded their lead in the group to the Tunisian side. Esperance now lead the group with seven points, relegating Pyramids FC to second place with four points.

Sagrada Esperanca from Angola currently occupy the third spot in the table with two points, sharing the same point tally with Mali's Djoliba AC.

Pyramids FC's Croatian coach, Krunoslav Jurcic, emphasized the importance of a victory against Esperance to stay in contention for a spot in the quarterfinals.

"We must secure a win in Cairo after our defeat in Tunisia to remain in the race for the quarterfinals and avoid complex calculations," Jurcic stated during the pre-match press conference.

Acknowledging the challenges faced in the previous match due to key players being absent because of illness, Jurcic expressed confidence in having a full squad ready for the upcoming game.

"We are determined to avenge our loss in the last round and aim for victory before our next fixture against Sagrada in Angola," the Croatian coach added.

On the other side, Esperance de Tunis will be without midfielder Mohamed Wael Derbali, forward Zinedine Kada, and injured striker Rodrigo Rodrigues for the upcoming clash.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Short link: