Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurčić has lauded his team’s dominant 3-0 victory over Ahly on Monday, while revisiting his criticism of officiating in their earlier defeat to Zamalek, suggesting the outcome could have been different under a foreign referee.
The result lifted Pyramids to second place in the Egyptian Premier League, intensifying the title race and increasing pressure on the defending champions.
Speaking after the match, the Croatian coach praised his squad’s resilience. “I salute the players for their performance and the result despite the problems and injuries,” he said.
Jurčić also drew a distinction between Egypt’s top two clubs, focusing on mentality rather than technical ability. “What’s the difference between Ahly and Zamalek? Zamalek had better atmosphere, spirit, and motivation, and that makes the difference,” he noted, while still acknowledging Ahly’s superior squad depth.
Despite the growing pressure in the title race, he insisted his focus remained grounded. “I don’t think about who will win the title; I take it one match at a time,” he added.
However, Jurčić returned to his earlier concerns over officiating, referencing Pyramids’ loss to Zamalek. “If today’s referee had officiated our match against Zamalek, we would have beaten them,” he claimed.
On the pitch, Pyramids delivered a commanding display against Ahly, with Congolese striker Fiston Mayele scoring twice before Karim Hafez added a late third. The win moved Pyramids to 47 points in second place, with Ahly third on 44 and leaders Zamalek on 50.
The victory also marked a historic milestone for Pyramids, as it was their first league double over Ahly since the 2018–19 season and their largest-ever win against the Cairo giants.
Midfielder Nasser Maher attributed the performance to a return to their usual style after recent setbacks, including the defeat to Zamalek. “We didn’t play our usual way in that match,” he admitted.
He added that preparation was key against Ahly. “We played our own style — that’s why we won,” he said, stressing that Pyramids remain committed to the title race.
“We will fight for the league until the very last moment,” Maher concluded, adding that the team remained focused solely on its own results.
Pyramids next face ENPPI, while Ahly prepare for a highly anticipated Cairo derby against Zamalek on Friday.
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