Pyramids FC secured their place in the CAF Champions League group stages with a 2-0 win over Ethiopian Insurance in the second leg of the Round of 32, advancing 3-1 on aggregate. The Egyptian side, defending champions, dominated the match at Air Defense Stadium in Cairo. Mostafa Ziko scored the opener, followed by an own goal in injury time.
Pyramids FC progressed to the CAF Champions League group stages after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopian Insurance in the two-legged Round of 32 tie. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Air Defense Stadium in Cairo, setting up the decisive return match on Thursday.
In the second leg, also at Air Defense Stadium, Pyramids took the lead in the 11th minute when Mostafa Ziko headed in a cross from Mohamed Chibi on the right flank. Four minutes later, Ziko had another goal disallowed for offside, though replays indicated he may have been onside. Pyramids controlled possession but couldn't add to their tally until stoppage time, when Ethiopian Insurance substitute Birikit Kekaleb scored an own goal in the 90+1st minute to confirm the 2-0 win.
Ethiopian Insurance's Allen Kaiwa received a yellow card during the match. Pyramids' lineup featured Ahmed El-Shenawy in goal, with defenders Mohamed Chibi, Ahmed Sami, Ali Gabr, and Mohamed Hamdi; midfielders Mohanad Lashin, Ahmed Atef (substituted by Mahmoud Zalaka in the 78th), Blate Toure (Mahmoud Abdel-Aati 88th), Walid El-Karti, and Mostafa Ziko (Ewerton 65th); and forward Fiston Mayele (Marwan Hamdi 78th). Ethiopian Insurance started with Girmachew Ezkiel in goal, among others.
As defending champions, Pyramids, coached by Krunoslav Jurcic, defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in last season's final, with Fiston Mayele starring. They are expected in Pot 1 for the group stage draw on November 3 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Pyramids now turn to the Egyptian Premier League, hosting Alexandria Ittihad on Sunday.
