Pyramids FC's Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic. Photo: CAF
The Egyptian side host Zambia's Power Dynamos at the Air Defense Stadium in the concluding Group A fixture, with Pyramids FC sitting comfortably on 13 points from five matches.
Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, the Croatian tactician said he has closely studied the Zambian outfit, particularly their recent victory over Morocco's RS Berkane.
"Power Dynamos are a strong team with high technical quality. They still have qualification hopes and have no option but to win. We respect them and we will prepare accordingly," Jurčić said.
While progression is assured, Jurčić emphasised that Pyramids will not ease off in their pursuit of a perfect group stage record.
"We are playing to win and to collect three points. We want to finish the group stage in the best possible way to maintain our rhythm and enter the knockout rounds with momentum,” the Croatian tactician added.
With a congested fixture schedule featuring both domestic and continental commitments, the match also presents an opportunity to rotate the squad and integrate fringe players.
"This is a good chance to give playing time to players who haven't featured regularly. Preparing all squad members is essential for us to continue our journey with the same strength in the coming period," Jurčić explained.
The 56-year-old coach confirmed that Moroccan international defender Mohamed Chibi will miss the encounter after suffering a severe cold.
"Chibi is ruled out of the encounter due to a severe cold. The medical and technical staff have decided to rest him to ensure he makes a full and speedy recovery," Jurčić added.
Pyramids FC currently sit comfortably at the top of the standings, but a win on Saturday would see them finish the group stage unbeaten, sending a strong message to their potential quarter-final opponents.
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