A hat-trick from DR Congo striker Fiston Mayele secured Pyramids’ first international trophy at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, marking another milestone for the club, which was reformed in 2018.
“I am proud of the great performance the team delivered in front of such a massive Ahli Jeddah crowd,” Jurcic told a post-match press conference.
“Ahli have top-quality players, many with European experience, which makes me even prouder of my squad for working as a united group. I didn’t expect us to reach this level just two years ago,” he added.
Jurcic praised his players for following his game plan.
“I asked the players to control the tempo, keep possession, and seize every opportunity. They did exactly that, despite Ahli coming off a tough run of matches,” he said.
Mayele opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Ivan Toney equalized from the penalty spot.
The Congolese forward restored Pyramids’ lead in the 71st minute and sealed his hat-trick four minutes later.
Pyramids, the current African Champions League holders, will next face the winners of the “Derby of the Americas” between Mexico’s Cruz Azul and the Copa Libertadores champions.
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