CAF Champions League: Ahmed El Shenawy early error hands AS FAR a point against Pyramids

Pyramids returned from Rabat with a precious 1–1 draw against AS FAR, earning a valuable first-leg result in the CAF Champions League quarterfinal at the Olympic Stadium.

The defending champions had to weather an early storm and cope with a hostile setting, even with the Moroccan club forced to play without their fans due to a CAF sanction.

AS FAR struck first after just 8 minutes when Ahmed Hammoudan unleashed a fierce shot that Ahmed El Shenawy failed to hold, the ball bouncing off his hands and into the net. The early goal gave the Royal Army Club momentum and they edged the first half, pushing Pyramids back for long spells.

After the break, however, Pyramids stepped up their intensity and quickly found a response. From a corner in the 52nd minute, star man Mahmoud Zalaka rose highest to head home the equaliser, silencing the home crowd and swinging the tie’s mood. AS FAR tried to regain control but struggled to create clear chances late on, while Pyramids surprisingly looked the side more likely to snatch a winner.

With the second leg to come in Cairo next week, Pyramids now hold a slight edge, knowing a home win will book a semi-final spot against either RS Berkane or Al Hilal.
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