Pyramids edge close to Champions League semis after draw at FAR Rabat

Ahmed Seif , Saturday 14 Mar 2026

Egypt’s Pyramids FC fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Morocco’s FAR Rabat in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final on Friday, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s return leg in Cairo.

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Ahmed Hammoudan fired the hosts ahead early in the first half before Mahmoud Abdel-Hafiz Zalaka equalised shortly after the break to earn the defending champions a valuable away result in Rabat.

FAR Rabat struck first in the ninth minute when Zineddine Derraj set up Hammoudan inside the box. The winger dribbled past a defender before firing a low shot past Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy.

The Moroccan side continued to press in the opening stages, while Pyramids gradually grew into the match and threatened through several attempts, including a dangerous opportunity for Zalaka that was denied by the Moroccan goalkeeper.

Pyramids found the breakthrough eight minutes into the second half. A corner kick caused confusion inside the FAR defence, allowing Zalaka to pounce on the loose ball and slot home from close range to level the score.

The Egyptian side pushed for a winner thereafter, creating chances through Ahmed Atef and Nasser Maher but failed to convert.

FAR also threatened sporadically, with substitute Hamza Khaba sending a long-range effort narrowly wide as the hosts sought to restore their lead.

Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurčić made several late substitutions, introducing Youssef Obama and Marwan Hamdy in search of a decisive goal, but the match ended level after six minutes of stoppage time.

The result leaves the tie open ahead of the second leg, which will be played in Cairo on 21 March, where Pyramids will hope to capitalise on home advantage as they bid to defend their continental title.

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