In a gripping showdown that will echo through time, Pyramids FC secured third place and the bronze medal in the Egyptian Super Cup for Champions Clubs, defeating Ceramica Cleopatra in a penalty shootout of 5-4 after the original time ended 1-1.
Mustafa Fathi netted for Pyramids, while Ahmed Qandousi found the net for Ceramica Cleopatra.
Both teams, after a previous marathon between Pyramids and Modern Future that lasted 34 penalty kicks, settled for five penalty shots each this time.
Pyramids will take home a prize of $75,000, while Ceramica Cleopatra will receive $50,000, the financial rewards for their participation in the championship.
The match witnessed a moment that will be etched in the memories of Egyptian and global football enthusiasts after Ahmed Yasser Ryan inexplicably squandered a golden opportunity.
من أغرب الفرص في التاريخ!
المرمى خالٍ تماماً ولكن أحمد ياسر ريان يسدد في القائم#سيراميكا_كليوباترا_بيراميدز #كأس_السوبر_المصري pic.twitter.com/sZhQdRiOPh
— قناة أبوظبي الرياضية (@ADSportsTV) December 28, 2023
Starting Lineup
John Eboke led Ceramica Cleopatra’s attack instead of Ahmed Yasser Ryan. In contrast, Jamie Pacheco relied on a selection of substitutes, introducing Saif Farouk, Jafar Yusuf Nabi, Ahmed Fathi, and Ahmed Tawfik.
The Match
The game kicked off swiftly, with Ragab Nabil receiving an early yellow card in the 9th minute for a strong challenge on Mohamed Reda Boubo. In the 18th minute, Ahmed Mehoub, Pyramids’ goalkeeper, shone, denying Samuel Amadi’s solo attempt to take Ceramica ahead.
Although Pyramids dominated the ball possession in the first half, they failed to pose a real threat to Mohamed Bassam’s goal.
In the second half, Pacheco made four changes, introducing Abdullah El-Said, Ramadan Sobhi, Walid El Karti, and Mustafa Fathi. The match saw few notable incidents until the 70th minute when Ahmed Qandousi scored, giving Ceramica Cleopatra the lead.
Substitute Mustafa Fathi leveled the score with a remarkable falling shot over goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam in the 78th minute, marking Pyramids’ first goal in the Super Cup.
In the final minutes, Mehoub excelled, saving a direct free-kick from Mohamed Shokry in injury time, leading the teams to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
Abdullah El-Said scored the first penalty successfully for Pyramids, and Ahmed Yasser Ryan responded, leveling for Ceramica. Ramadan Sobhi and Ahmed Ramadan also netted their penalties, maintaining the 2-2 draw.
Karim Hafez skillfully converted the third penalty for Pyramids, matched by Mohamed Shokry for Ceramica, keeping the score tied. Walid El Karti and Mahmoud Nabil then successfully scored for Pyramids and Ceramica, respectively.
Fakhril Laka delivered the fifth penalty into the net for Pyramids, and Ahmed Mehoub’s save against Mohamed Tony secured Pyramids the third place in the Super Cup.
