CAF Champions League: We must win and secure the precious title over Mamelodi Sundowns – Pyramids coachKrunoslav Jurcic

Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurcic has set sights on beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the return leg fixture of the CAF Champions League title to annex the title.

The first leg held at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday ended 1-1, leaving the return leg wide open.

Having snatched an important away draw, the Egyptian outfit will play host to the South African giants on June 1, 2025 at the Air Defense Stadium.

Speaking after the game, the Croatian tactician expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team while setting sights on the ultimate title in the return leg.

“I am very proud of my team’s performance against a strong opponent like Sundowns, who have a lot of experience in the CAF Champions League,” Jurčić said during the press conference.

“Pyramids played a very strong match and were the better team for most of the match. If it weren’t for bad luck, we would have scored many more goals. But in the end, Walid El Karti’s goal in the final minutes is a reward for this champion team with such a great character.”

He continued: “I’m sad because we wasted many opportunities, but I’m happy with the draw, the players’ excellent performance, their wonderful character, and their strong comeback despite being a goal down. This is the character I’ve built since taking over, and it’s happened many times this season in the league and the continental championship, when we came back from behind.”

According to the coach, the players deserve praise for the outstanding performance showcased against Sundowns.

“The players deserve praise for their excellent performance, but in the end the team hasn’t achieved anything so far. What happened is that we only finished the first half, and we have a second half in Egypt in just a week, and we must win and claim the precious title.”

“Pyramids FC does not receive any support from anyone in Egypt and is fighting alone in various tournaments, despite representing the country in the most important tournament on the continent.”

“In just 48 hours, we have to head to Ismailia for a crucial league match against Ceramica that will determine the league champion. The starting lineups must play in this match, given its importance. It would have been better to support Pyramids in the continental final so they can secure the title for Egypt.”