Pyramids FC Holds Strong in CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals
Pyramids FC, the reigning champions of the CAF Champions League, successfully preserved their unbeaten record in the competition by coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against FAR Rabat of Morocco during the first leg of the quarter-finals on Friday night. The match, played behind closed doors due to previous crowd disturbances, saw the home team take an early lead just eight minutes into the match when Ahmed Hammoudan found the back of the net, scoring his first goal of the season.
However, the Cairo-based club responded positively and managed to equalize in the second half. Mahmoud Zalaka scored in the 52nd minute, showcasing his quick reflexes to pounce on a rebound following a corner kick that was initially saved by FAR's goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti. This goal marked Zalaka's second in the ongoing African campaign, demonstrating Pyramids' resilience and determination to defend their title. The second leg of this thrilling encounter is scheduled for March 21 in Cairo, with the overall winners set to face either Renaissance Berkane or Al Hilal of Sudan in the semi-finals.
Last season, Pyramids FC faced FAR Rabat in the same stage of the tournament, emerging victorious with a 4-3 aggregate score, and they are now on a quest for back-to-back titles. Having won eight matches and drawn three in their current campaign, the team is riding high on confidence after clinching the championship last season, which earned them a lucrative prize of four million dollars.
Recently, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced an increase in the prize money for the competition's first place from four million to six million dollars, while the runners-up will continue to receive two million dollars. This increase has added an extra incentive for teams to excel in the prestigious tournament.
Despite the early setback, Pyramids showed their tactical prowess as they sought to control the game. The Olympic Stadium in Rabat was eerily quiet due to the absence of fans, which created a unique atmosphere for the players. Hammoudan's goal initially rattled the Pyramids side, but they quickly regrouped and focused their efforts on leveling the playing field.
The match was characterized by moments of territorial dominance from both teams, but clear chances were few and far between in the first half. As the second half commenced, Pyramids intensified their attacks, leading to Zalaka's crucial equalizer. Notably, Mahmoud Mayele, a key player for Pyramids and last season's top scorer in the Champions League, was substituted late in the game after struggling to find the net in recent matches.
This encounter kicked off at 2200 local time, adhering to the adjusted schedules during the holy month of Ramadan. As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg, Pyramids FC remain hopeful of advancing further in their quest to retain the prestigious CAF Champions League title.
As reported by english.aawsat.com.
