Pyramids FC begin Intercontinental Cup journey with defensive worries against Auckland City

Pyramids FC are set to write a new chapter in their story when they host New Zealand’s Auckland City tomorrow at Cairo’s Air Defense Stadium in the first round of the 2025 Intercontinental Cup.

For the Egyptian champions, this is more than just a match; it is a chance to prove themselves on a global stage.

The competition, introduced by FIFA last year, gives continental winners a platform to face new rivals. Whoever triumphs between Pyramids and Auckland will meet Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli Jeddah on September 23 in Jeddah for the Africa-Asia-Pacific crown.

Pyramids FC reached this stage after lifting their first-ever CAF Champions League title last season, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Winning the CAF Champions League title put Pyramids on the world stage and imposed a huge responsibility on this team as they carry the flag of Egypt and the entire African continent in this tournament,” said Croatian coach Krunoslav Juricic.

Defensive issues cloud their preparations with Mahmoud Marei ruled out and Ahmed Sami injured. Juricic may also be without Mostafa Fathi and Ramadan Sobhi, though stars like Fiston Mayele and Walid El Karti remain crucial.