Mohamed Messelhi, President of the Alexandria Union Club, commonly known as “The Castle of the Canal,” has called upon the first-team players to secure a victory in the crucial match against Pyramids FC scheduled for Sunday evening in the 13th round of the Egyptian Premier League to remain in the coveted Golden Square.
In an exclusive statement to “Al-Masry Al-Youm,” Messelhi stressed that winning against their opponents tonight at the Air Defense Stadium would ensure the Union’s retention of their position in the Golden Square.
He noted the difficulty and significance of facing Pyramids FC, especially away from Alexandria, emphasizing the need for the players to exert extra effort and exhibit a robust performance befitting the stature of Alexandria Union players.
Messelhi emphasized that a victory against Pyramids FC tonight would bring the Union’s point tally to 22, securing their position in the Golden Square.
Despite several absences in the team, including Amr Khalil, Ragab Emran, Ahmed Messi, Ahmed Eid, Traore, Islam Abu Salem, and Frank, Messelhi expressed confidence in the squad’s capabilities.
He also highlighted the importance of adhering to the tactical instructions of the team’s head coach, Tarek El Ashry.
Meanwhile, Tarek El Ashry, the team’s head coach, cautioned the players about the dangers posed by Pyramids FC’s players. He urged them to maintain good positioning throughout the match, close down spaces effectively, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The Alexandria Union faces several key absences, including Amr Khalil, Ragab Emran, Ahmed Messi, Ahmed Eid, Traore, Islam Abu Salem, Frank, and now Ali Gabr and Mohamed Lashin.
Both teams have high stakes riding on this fixture, with the Alexandria Union seeking to maintain their position in the Golden Square and extend their unbeaten streak under Tarek El Ashry’s leadership.
Pyramids FC, on the other hand, aims to bounce back from their recent draw and secure their first victory under new Croatian coach, Krunoslav Jurcic.
However, Pyramids FC will be without their international defender, Ali Gabr, who is sidelined due to injury for approximately three weeks, as well as midfielder Mohannad Lashin, who is suspended after receiving his third yellow card.
Mahmoud El Banna has been appointed as the match referee, assisted by Ahmed Hossam Taha and Adi Eid, with Hamed El Kalawi serving as the fourth official.
Amr El Shanawi and Mohamed Salama will oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
