Mokwena starts Pyramids reign with emphatic Egyptian Premier League win

Rulani Mokwena began his tenure as Pyramids FC manager in convincing fashion as the 2025 African champions beat Ghazl El Mahalla 3-0 in the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday evening.

The result gave the South African coach an ideal start to his first league campaign in charge after he replaced Krunoslav Jurcic at the end of last season.

Pyramids were slow to settle in the opening stages, but gradually gained control and finished the first half strongly. Their pressure was rewarded when youngster Odeh Al Fakhouri found the net to give the visitors the lead and score the first goal of the Mokwena era.

Ghazl El Mahalla were unable to respond after the interval, and Pyramids extended their advantage midway through the second half. Nasser Maher produced a composed finish to put last season’s runners-up firmly in command.

The home side’s difficult evening was completed inside the final 10 minutes, when Mahmoud Zalaka converted Mohamed Chibi’s assist to make it 3-0.

With Pyramids holding a comfortable lead, Mokwena made changes to refresh his side for the closing stages. Ahmed Abdel Qader and Everton da Silva were sent on in place of Mahmoud Zalaka and Youssef Obama.

The visitors maintained complete control during the final exchanges and saw out a commanding opening-day victory. It was a fast and authoritative beginning to Mokwena’s reign in the Egyptian capital, while Ghazl El Mahalla were left to reflect on a difficult return to league action.

Pyramids’ success also provided an early indication of their ambitions after finishing as Egyptian Premier League runners-up last season. Mokwena’s side combined a measured response to their slow start with greater attacking efficiency as the match progressed, eventually turning a narrow advantage into a comprehensive result.

For Mokwena, the victory represents a positive first competitive step following his arrival at the club. His team kept control after taking the lead, added a second before the final quarter of the match and avoided any late pressure from the home side.

The result marks the beginning of a new era at Pyramids following Jurcic’s departure, with the club handing responsibility to a coach who has built a reputation through experience in several football environments. Saturday’s performance ensured that his first league match ended with three points and a clean sheet.