Pyramids deny key trio will leave at end of season

Pyramids have denied reports that Mohand Lasheen, Mahmoud Marei and Karim Hafez will be out of contract at the end of the current season.

The three players had been linked with moves away from the club, with reports suggesting they could sign for another team in January.

A Pyramids source told FilGoal.com that the contracts of Lasheen, Marei and Hafez “run until the summer of 2028, not 2027 as some people claim”.

The source added: “The trio still have an additional year on their contracts beyond the current season.”

Pyramids are also expected to extend the players’ deals by a further three years beyond next season once an agreement has been reached.

“Pyramids are aiming to preserve the core of the team during the coming period,” the source said.

The club also confirmed that Mostafa Ziko remains under contract until 2029 and will continue at Pyramids.

“Mostafa Ziko will remain with the club until 2029, and the player will continue with Pyramids because he is one of the team’s most important players,” the source said.

The club has meanwhile received confirmation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the dates of its two-legged CAF Champions League last-32 tie against South Sudanese champions Al-Merrikh Bentiu.

Pyramids reached that stage after beating Kenyan side Gor Mahia 7-1 on aggregate. Al-Merrikh Bentiu advanced by overcoming Somali club Hegan in the preliminary round.

The first leg will take place on Friday, 16 October at 15:30 at Juba Stadium. The return match is scheduled for Saturday, 24 October at 20:00 at Air Defence Stadium.

Pyramids have also been informed of a change to their opening match in the group stage of the League Cup, known as the Egypt Capital Cup.

Their fixture against Al-Qanah has been brought forward by 24 hours and will now be played at 17:00 on Wednesday, 7 October at Air Defence Stadium, rather than on 8 October.

The adjustment follows a decision to end Egypt’s international camp on 4 October after the friendly match between Egypt and South Africa. The League Cup fixtures were subsequently rescheduled.