Pyramids vs Power Dynamos. Photo courtesy of Pyramids.
The emerging African powerhouse 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.
Under the guidance of Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić, who took charge at of the club in February 2024, Pyramids FC enjoyed a historic 2024/2025 season, which saw them lift the CAF Champions League, the CAF Super Cup, and the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Despite acknowledging his team's limited experience in major international tournaments, the 56-year-old tactician expressed his immense pride in their journey in the competition, voicing complete confidence in his squad.
"Reaching this stage as a newly-established club fills us with tremendous pride and motivates everyone to continue achieving until the very end," Jurčić said during the pre-match press conference on Friday.
"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," he added.
The Cairo-based side will have to do without the services of talented midfielder Ramadan Sobhi, who’s been hit with a four-year doping ban from Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in addition to midfielder Walid El-Karti who is featuring for the Moroccan national team in the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar.
Flamengo, on the other hand, qualified for the Intercontinental Cup semi-final after a 2-1 win over CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul of Mexico in the FIFA Derby of the Americas on Wednesday.
Coach Filipe Luís guided the Rio-based club to claim the 2025 Copa Libertadores title for the fourth time in November, is expected to rely on his side’s trademark high-intensity pressing and flair, with their overwhelming attack of creative quadrant of Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique, Juninho and Pedro.
The winner of the game will set up a dream final against UEFA Champions League title holders Paris-Saint Germaine on 17 December.
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