Pyramids clarify Mokwena and Fathi incident after Gor Mahia win

Pyramids FC have moved to clarify an incident involving coach Rulani Mokwena and Mostafa Fathi during their 2-0 victory over Gor Mahia in the first leg of their continental qualifier.

The Egyptian side secured a comfortable advantage through goals from Walid El Karti and Mahmoud Saber against the Kenyan club.

The second leg will take place at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on 12 September.

Fathi appeared visibly frustrated after being substituted, leading to speculation that he was unhappy with Mokwena’s decision to take him off.

However, Pyramids’ media centre, as reported by Elmostaqbal, said the player’s reaction was directed at the fourth official rather than the coach.

Fathi was reportedly angered by the pressure from the officials to leave the pitch quickly because of concerns that he could receive a suspension.

The club said Mokwena intervened to calm the situation rather than confront the player.

The South African coach is understood to have focused on managing Fathi’s emotions before congratulating the squad on their performance.

The incident has therefore been dismissed as a disagreement with the match officials rather than evidence of tension between Mokwena and Fathi.

Pyramids will now look to complete the job in Cairo and advance to the second preliminary round, where they will face either South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu or Heegan SC of Somalia.