Pyramids ease past Alanyaspor in Turkey friendly as pre-season gathers pace

Pyramids stepped up their preparations for the new campaign with a 2-0 friendly victory over Turkish side Alanyaspor in Erzurum on Wednesday.

The Egyptian club struck early through Mahmoud Abdel Hafiz “Zalaka” before substitute Ahmed Atef “Qotta” added a second after the break, sealing a comfortable win in their second warm-up match of pre-season.

Pyramids are currently in Turkey for a training camp that runs in the city of Erzurum until 9 August as they build towards the new league season and their upcoming campaign in the CAF Champions League.

Early breakthrough sets tone

Pyramids went in front after 14 minutes when Mahmoud Abdel Hafiz, known as “Zalaka”, found the net to give his side control of the game and ensure they led 1-0 at half-time.

The Egyptian side maintained their advantage after the interval and increased it midway through the second half, as Ahmed Atef “Qotta” scored in the 71st minute to double the lead and close out the scoring.

The match ended 2-0, providing Pyramids with a confidence-boosting result following defeat in their opening friendly of the camp.

Response after opening defeat

This fixture was the second of four friendlies agreed as part of Pyramids’ Turkish training programme.

Previously, they had lost 1-0 to Iranian champions Persepolis in their first warm-up game as they began their preparations for the new season.

Two more friendlies remain on the schedule in Turkey, with Pyramids having arranged a total of four matches for the camp. The club’s sporting director Hani Said has indicated that details of the remaining fixtures will be announced in due course as agreements are finalised.

Line-up and camp focus

Pyramids started the game against Alanyaspor with: Ahmed El Shenawy in goal; a back line of Mohamed El Shibi, Ahmed Samy, Mahmoud Marei and Eyad El Asqalani; a midfield including Mahmoud Saber, Walid El Karti and Nasser Maher; and an attacking unit featuring Mahmoud Zalaka, Awda Fakhouri and Youssef Obama.

The Turkish camp is designed to sharpen fitness levels and integrate the squad ahead of a season in which Pyramids will compete on multiple fronts.

Last term, Pyramids lifted the Egypt Cup and finished runners-up in the domestic league table, earning their place in the CAF Champions League. The club now aims to build on that platform, using the Turkish friendlies to fine-tune tactics and assess the squad before competitive action begins.