CAF Confederations Cup: Al-Ahli stunned by Pyramids FC as Riyad Mahrez and teammates crash out

Al-Ahli SC suffered a shock exit from the 2025 Confederations Cup after a 3-1 home defeat to Egypt’s Pyramids FC, leaving Riyad Mahrez and his teammates reeling from a night of bitter disappointment in Jeddah.

Backed by their supporters at the Pearl Stadium and carrying the weight of expectation as Asian champions, Al-Ahli entered the second-round tie as overwhelming favourites.

Instead, the evening turned into a nightmare as Congolese striker Fiston Mayele delivered a stunning hat-trick to send the Egyptian side into the semi-finals.

Mahrez, a central figure in Al-Ahli’s attack, played the entire match but was unable to change the outcome.

His most dangerous contribution came late in the game with a curling effort that was beaten away, summing up the frustration of a side unable to cope with Pyramids’ intensity and cutting edge.

The result marks a significant setback for Al-Ahli, who had been tipped to progress deep into the competition, which brings together continental champions, including European winners Paris Saint-Germain.

The early elimination, on home soil and in front of a stunned crowd, will be seen as one of the club’s most painful recent defeats.

While disappointment engulfed Jeddah, celebrations erupted among the Egyptian visitors.

Pyramids FC, already crowned champions of Africa earlier this year, added another chapter to their remarkable rise with victory over one of Asia’s most decorated clubs.

The triumph also earned them the Afro-Asian and Pacific Trophy, an honorary accolade attached to the tournament, further boosting their growing reputation.

For Al-Ahli, the loss leaves little room for reflection.

Having invested heavily in recent years and boasting stars such as Mahrez, the Saudi side had hoped to use the Confederations Cup to measure themselves against the best beyond Asia.

Instead, they must now focus on their domestic campaign and regroup quickly after what will be remembered as a bruising defeat.

The contrast could not be starker: Pyramids FC depart Jeddah with momentum, prestige, and history on their side, while Al-Ahli and their fans are left to confront the reality of a campaign that ended far earlier than anyone expected. For Mahrez and his teammates, the challenge now is to respond, restore belief, and prove this stunning setback is only a detour in their pursuit of silverware.