Pyramids overcome Nairobi broadcast chaos to beat Gor Mahia in CAF Champions League

Egyptian side Pyramids FC overcame repeated television broadcast interruptions to claim a valuable 2-0 away victory over Kenya’s Gor Mahia in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie.

Goals from Walid El Karti and Mahmoud Saber gave the Sky Blues a commanding advantage at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, putting them in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Cairo.

The match was repeatedly disrupted by lengthy interruptions to the television broadcast, with supporters unable to follow significant periods of the game, including both goals.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Pyramids remained focused to secure an important result away from home and take a major step towards the second round.

El Karti strikes after early Gor Mahia threat

Gor Mahia began brightly and nearly stunned the visitors inside two minutes when a powerful effort from outside the penalty area threatened the Pyramids goal.

However, Ahmed Sami cleared the ball off the line to deny the Kenyan side an early breakthrough.

The television coverage was interrupted shortly afterwards and, during the blackout, Pyramids took the lead through El Karti.

The midfielder reacted quickest after Mostafa Fathi’s effort was saved by the Gor Mahia goalkeeper, following up to put the Egyptian side ahead.

Injury setback for Pyramids

Pyramids suffered a setback in the 20th minute when defender Mahmoud Marei sustained a head injury and was forced to leave the pitch.

He was replaced by Iyad Al-Asqalani and taken to hospital during the match for examinations and scans.

Marei later received treatment for the injury, which required eight stitches.

Pyramids continued to search for a second goal, with Mostafa Fathi coming close shortly after Marei’s departure following an impressive individual run, only for Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper to make another important save.

Saber doubles lead during another blackout

The broadcast problems returned in the 36th minute and continued for much of the remainder of the contest.

When coverage briefly disappeared again in the second half, Pyramids extended their advantage.

Mahmoud Saber found space outside the penalty area in the 50th minute and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box to double the visitors’ lead.

The television signal did not return until the closing stages, with viewers finally seeing confirmation of Pyramids’ 2-0 victory shortly before the final whistle.

Pyramids in strong position for Cairo return

The result gives Pyramids a significant advantage heading into the second leg at Cairo’s Air Defence Stadium on Saturday, 12 September.

The Egyptian side, who have emerged as one of Africa’s leading clubs in recent seasons, will now look to protect their two-goal cushion and complete their progress to the second round of the CAF Champions League.

For Gor Mahia, one of East Africa’s most successful clubs, the challenge will be to overturn the deficit away from home and keep their continental campaign alive.