In a thrilling encounter on Friday night, Pyramids FC of Egypt preserved their unbeaten record as they defended their CAF Champions League title, managing to secure a 1-1 draw against FAR Rabat of Morocco in the first leg of the quarter-finals. The match was held behind closed doors due to prior crowd disturbances, adding an unusual atmosphere to the Olympic Stadium in the Moroccan capital.
The home team took an early advantage just eight minutes into the match when Ahmed Hammoudan scored his first goal of the tournament, sending the local supporters into a frenzy despite their absence from the stands. However, Pyramids FC, known for their resilience, responded effectively after halftime. Mahmoud Zalaka equalized for the visitors in the 52nd minute, marking his second goal in the ongoing campaign. The equalizer came after a corner kick, where Zalaka capitalized on a rebound following a close-range shot from Ahmed Atef that was parried by FAR's goalkeeper, Ahmed Tagnaouti.
The draw sets the stage for an exciting second leg, which is scheduled to take place on March 21 in Cairo. The overall winners of this tie will meet either Renaissance Berkane from Morocco or Sudan's Al Hilal in the semifinals, which are slated for April. This matchup is particularly significant as the two teams clashed in the quarter-finals last season, with Pyramids emerging victorious on aggregate with a score of 4-3.
Pyramids FC, who were the surprise champions of the African club competition last season, have displayed consistent form, having won eight matches and drawn three in their quest for back-to-back titles. Their successful campaign last season earned them a lucrative prize of four million dollars after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2024/25 final. In a recent announcement, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed an increase in the first prize for the competition, which has now risen by 50 percent to six million dollars, while the runners-up will still receive two million dollars.
Despite FAR's early lead, Pyramids demonstrated their tactical prowess and determination to fight back, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The match began later than usual, kicking off at 2200 local time, which is customary during the holy month of Ramadan, when players are allowed to break their fast at dusk. As such, matches are often scheduled later to accommodate this practice.
In another quarter-final encounter, Mamelodi Sundowns secured a commanding 3-0 lead against Stade Malien in Pretoria, marking a significant achievement for the Malian club, which is competing in the knockout stage for the first time since the competition's format was changed in 1997.
As reported by arabnews.pk.
