Pyramids FC secured a decisive victory over Ethiopian Insurance, winning 2-0 in Thursday’s second leg of the African Champions League round of 32.
Goals came from Mostafa Abdel Raouf Ziko in the 11th minute and a late own goal by Muni (90+1). The result followed a 1-1 draw in the first leg, with both matches played at Cairo’s Air Defense Stadium due to the Ethiopian club’s venue approval issues.
Led by Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic, the defending champs showed early attacking intent with Ziko’s header. Jurcic activated his bench, bringing in Mahmoud Abdel Hafeez Zelaka, Karim Hafez, and Brazilian Everton, then rotated with Ahmed Tawfik and Mahmoud Abdel Aaty Dunga.
This win officially launches Pyramids’ campaign to defend their historic continental title. Last season, Jurcic steered the club to their first CAF Champions League and African Super Cup crowns, toppling South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco’s Nahdat Berkane.
Fifteen clubs confirmed entry into the group phase, including Egyptian giants Ahly, Tunisian Esperance, and Sundowns. The next round begins in November, with Pyramids eager to repeat last year’s success and add more silverware under Krunoslav Jurcic’s dynamic leadership.
