The big-spending club, who defeated Sfaxien 1-0 at home last month, had their winning run halted but they still did enough to book a last-eight berth and continue their bid towards a maiden title.

Pyramids lost Ramadan Sobhi to a knee injury in the first half, with the key winger looking in tears as he made way for veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said.

But Moroccan midfielder Walid El Karti put the visitors ahead with a superb solo effort on the stroke of halftime, running half the length of the pitch unopposed before curling a delightful shot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area.

Firas Chaouat leapt above his marker to head home a left-wing cross and equalise for Sfaxien in the 54th minute but Pyramids held on for a valuable draw that sent them through.

They lie on top of Group A with 10 points from four games, one ahead of Libya's Ahly Tripoli and six clear of Sfaxien, who can no longer catch them due to an inferior head-to-head record.

Pyramids are hoping to win the Confederation Cup on their third appearance, having reached the final in 2020 and the semis last year.

The club made a bid earlier this month to host the final of Africa's secondary club competition this season.

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