CAF Champions League: Pyramids FC name strong side for El Merriekh Bentiu tie

El Merriekh Bentiu and Pyramids FC meet on Friday, 16 October 2026, in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, with the Egyptian club aiming to use its greater continental experience to take control of the tie.

The South Sudanese side progressed past Somali Police FC in the previous round and will now face a significantly stronger opponent. El Merriekh Bentiu will hope its momentum can continue when it takes on Pyramids FC.

El Merriekh Bentiu’s probable line-up

Gabin Allambatnan is expected to start in goal, with Rehan Angier, Saleh Ishimwe, Bangasi and Kekeli Attor forming the defence.

David Derrick, Ousmane Sampi, Gaetan Masha and Gem Jonathan are likely to operate in midfield, while Thetloach Thor and Tot Maet Doh are set to lead the attack.

El Merriekh Bentiu probable XI: Gabin Allambatnan; Rehan Angier, Saleh Ishimwe, Bangasi, Kekeli Attor; David Derrick, Ousmane Sampi, Gaetan Masha, Gem Jonathan; Thetloach Thor, Tot Maet Doh.

The match represents another test of El Merriekh Bentiu’s ability to compete at continental level after its first-round success against Somali Police FC.

Pyramids FC’s probable line-up

Pyramids FC can call on a number of experienced players as it begins its second preliminary-round campaign. Ahmed El Shenawy is expected to start in goal, while Morocco defender Mohamed Chibi is likely to feature in the back four.

Mahmoud Hamdy, Osama Galal and Ahmed Samy are also projected to start in defence. The midfield is expected to include Mahmoud Saber, Mohanad Lasheen and Atef.

Mostafa Ziko, Nadhir Benbouali and Zalaka are the probable attacking trio for the Egyptian club.

Pyramids FC probable XI: Ahmed El Shenawy; Mohamed Chibi, Mahmoud Hamdy, Osama Galal, Ahmed Samy; Mahmoud Saber, Mohanad Lasheen, Atef; Mostafa Ziko, Nadhir Benbouali, Zalaka.

Pyramids FC will look to those experienced players to provide the difference across the two-legged contest and secure an advantage in the opening match against El Merriekh Bentiu.

The CAF Champions League second preliminary-round fixture between El Merriekh Bentiu and Pyramids FC will be played on Friday, 16 October 2026.