Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurcic speaks during a press conference. Photo courtesy of Pyramids.
Pyramids FC, the CAF Champions League title holders, the CAF Super Cup and FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup champions, are gearing up to face South African side Flamengo at Doha’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Saturday, competing for the Challenge Cup and a spot in the final against UEFA Champions League champions PSG.
The Egyptian side secured their semi-final berth after defeating New Zealand's Auckland City 3-0 in Cairo, followed by a 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli in Jeddah, while Flamengo qualified after a 2-1 win over CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul on Wednesday
Appointed in February 2024, the 56-year-old tactician transformed the club into African champions by winning the CAF Champions League (2024/25) and Super Cup 2025.
Jurčić acknowledged his team's limited experience in major international tournaments, but highlighted their significant continental achievements.
"Reaching this stage as a newly-established club fills us with tremendous pride and motivates everyone to continue achieving until the very end," he told reporters on Friday.
“I watched Flamengo on the pitch against Cruz Azul. They have great players. However, Pyramids remain champions of a huge continent like Africa,” he added.
Jurčić voiced complete confidence in his squad despite their relative youth on the global stage.
"I have enormous trust in my players; they are champions in every sense. They've previously faced major clubs and difficult circumstances, always emerging stronger. Now we're here in Qatar for a semi-final. Despite Flamengo's strength, I'm certain our players will deliver an exceptional performance that will become part of their legacy and Pyramids' history."
Absentees and frustration
Addressing squad absentees, Jurčić noted that several players are missing for various reasons, but the team are accustomed to such challenges.
"The team are used to dealing with these circumstances and continuing strongly. Regarding Walid El-Karti's situation, that is up to the management to assess and discuss."
The 31-year-old midfielder is currently playing with the Moroccan national team in the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar.
Jurčić voiced frustration, saying, "We feel disappointed because nobody helps us, neither the Egyptian FA nor the CAF. All I ask for is some appreciation from the officials for this team and these players, who have achieved something akin to a miracle and have become champions."
Pyramids FC coach also addressed the psychological aspect of the clash, highlighting that they haven’t thought about facing PS.
"Everyone talks about Flamengo, not Paris Saint-Germain. I'm preparing my players to reach the final. I believe the pressure is greater on Flamengo; they're the bigger club expected to win. We don't carry those same pressures," Jurčić added.
He called on Egyptian fans in Qatar to rally behind the team, emphasizing that Pyramids FC represent Egyptian football on the global stage.
"Our club's name is linked to one of Egypt's most iconic symbols, the Pyramids of Giza. This match matters, but the victory over Mamelodi Sundowns remains our most significant achievement. That win gave us the African title and paved the way to this historic moment," Jurcic said.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: