Pyramids FC's Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic. Photo: CAF
The defending champions came from behind to secure a 4-1 away win over Nigeria’s Rivers United in the fifth round of the continental tournament group stage.
Pyramids FC, who had already sealed qualification for the quarter-finals on Saturday following RS Berkane’s 2-0 defeat by Power Dynamos, confirmed top spot in the group with the victory.
“Pyramids have big chances to compete for the title and keep it for the second successive season despite of missing four key players,” the Croatian tactician said in the press conference after the game.
“I expected that the game will be a tough one especially as we came to Nigeria amid several absentees. Also we suffered from the difficult climate, whether the high temperatures or humidity, but we had to pass all these circumstances and play only to win to ensure reaching next round as group leaders,” he added.
Despite conceding an early goal, Jurcic stressed that he was confident of his players’ ability to restore the balance, adding that the team now should only be concentrating on preparing for next game.
“We need more time to get more harmony, and the team will have a better look in the coming period,” he concluded.
After Sunday’s win, Pyramids lead Group A with 13 points, six ahead of second-placed RS Berkane, and will host Power Dynamos, who have seven points, in their final group match in Cairo on Sunday, with the outcome having no effect on qualification.
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