Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurcic
Pyramids reached the final for the first time in their history after a 3-2 victory over South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the second leg of the semi-final at Cairo’s Air Defence Stadium on Friday, setting up a showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The rising Egyptian powerhouse entered the match determined to achieve their first-ever final qualification, relying on their home advantage after a 0-0 draw in the first leg last Saturday.
“The game’s scenario was a strange one and if someone told us at the season’s start that we will reach the final on that way I wouldn’t believe him. My team’s performance developed very well,” the Croatian coach said in the post-match press conference.
“My team reached the African final because we deserve that. The team doesn’t need support but just tell the players you are in the final,” he added.
The 2023/2024 Egyptian Cup winners became the sole representative of Egypt in the prestigious continental competition as holders Ahly were suddenly eliminated after their 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns earlier on Friday.
Pyramids FC will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in two highly anticipated matches, a ho,e game on 24 May and an away one on 1 June.
“The first leg match will be played at home and I hope that 35,000 supporters will be attending in the stands as the club will be representing Egypt,” the coach concluded, referring to the fact that Pyramids does not have a large fanbase like Egyptian rivals Ahly and Zamalek.
Pyramids FC, who currently lead the Egyptian Premier League table, previously reached the CAF Confederation Cup final in 2020, but lost to Moroccan side RS Berkane.
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