A double from Eslam Issa put Egyptian side Pyramids FC on the verge of a place in the Confederation Cup group stage following a 2-0 away win over Racing Club d'Abidjan in the first leg of the competition's play-off on Sunday.

The diminutive winger scored twice in the 19th and 82nd minutes as Pyramids secured a comfortable victory.

The Emirati-owned club will host the Ivorian side in the second leg at Cairo's Air Defence stadium next Sunday.

Pyramids dominated the match despite missing key regulars through injury, including experienced duo Abdallah El-Said and Ahmed Fathi.

The big-spending club reached the Confederation Cup final last season on their maiden appearance in Africa's secondary club competition, only to lose 1-0 to Morocco's RS Berkane.

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