Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic faces last-minute squad challenges for Rivers United match

Just before their CAF Champions League opener against Rivers United, Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurcic is forced to rethink his lineup after an unexpected setback.

Congolese forward Fiston Mayele had only just returned from Morocco, where he was honored as Africa’s best local player, but initial plans to rest him were scrapped due to another blow. Striker Marwan Hamdy suffered a thigh injury, ruling him out of the game and prompting Jurcic to include Mayele in the starting lineup despite limited preparation time.

Pyramids, proud of their recent recognition as Africa’s top club, are also missing Ramadan Sobhi, Osama Galal, Youssef Ibrahim “Obama,” and Mostafa Fathi, each sidelined by injury. Jurcic expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing, “This group brought us all the trophies last season and started this one strong. Our real power comes from team spirit, there are no excuses. We’ll fight to win.”

Despite squad absences and late returns, the team remains determined to defend their continental crown and show resilience on home soil.