The Egyptian side made history last season by winning the CAF Champions League in only their second appearance in the continental competition.
That triumph secured their spot in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they kicked off their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over New Zealand’s Auckland City at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium earlier this month.
Pyramids FC aim to overcome the Saudi giants to advance further in the world tournament and match fellow Egyptian club Al Ahly, who made the same achievement in the inaugural edition last season.
“This is an enormous opportunity for Pyramids, a historic chance to feature in a tournament of this calibre, and we want to go as far as we can,” Pyramids president Mamdouh Eid told FIFA official website.
Tuesday’s clash promises to be a stern test for the Egyptians, especially after Al Ahli’s impressive performance in the Saudi Pro League earlier this week.
The Saudi side rallied from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finalists Al Hilal in the final 12 minutes.
Al Ahli were relegated for the first time in their history in 2022 but made a swift return to the Saudi Pro League last season.
The team has bolstered its squad with several high-profile signings, including Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie, former Porto winger Galeno, and English striker Ivan Toney who helped the team win the continental trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Pyramids will be without Moroccan midfielder Walid El-Karti and winger Ramadan Sobhi.
The in-form midfielder, who scored in the win over Auckland City, was injured during training in Jeddah, while Sobhi is yet to regain full fitness.
El-Karti’s absence is a setback for coach Krunoslav Jurcic, given his importance in the team’s attacking play, particularly with Brazilian forward Ewerton struggling to make an impact since joining in the summer.
“All the players are available except for El-Karti and Sobhi,” Pyramids assistant coach Mohamed ‘Gedo’ Nagi told a television programme on Monday.
Jurcic will welcome back winger Mostafa Fathy after a long absence due to a muscle injury, though he is unlikely to start as he has yet to feature this season.
“Our next match is going to be tough because we’re up against a great team with a lot of history, but we’ll be ready and hopefully get the win,” Pyramids defender Karim Hafez told FIFA’s website.
“We’ve been taking things one step at a time. First, we won the Egypt Cup, then the CAF Champions League, and now we’re aiming to win the African-Asian-Pacific Cup. Hopefully our success will continue,” he added.
On the other hand, Al Ahli’s German coach Matthias Jaissle said his side were well prepared and motivated by the timing of the match.
“Pyramids FC have many talented players, but we are ready for the challenge. With the support of our fans, we can beat them,” Jaissle said.
“Tomorrow will be an exceptional day as it coincides with the Saudi National Day celebrations, and we are looking to please our fans by winning the title,” he added.
The winners will advance to face the champions of the FIFA Derby of the Americas, which will feature Mexico’s Cruz Azul and another team yet to be confirmed. That match is scheduled for December.
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