Pyramids FC set sights on second Champions League title after draw

Pyramids FC have set their sights on winning the CAF Champions League for a second time after being drawn in Group D of the 2026/27 competition alongside Sudanese giants Al-Hilal, Morocco’s Maghreb Fes and Guinea’s Horoya AC.

The Egyptian club are determined to build on their previous continental success and make another strong push for the prestigious trophy, with administrative director Ahmed Zaher insisting that the team respects all their opponents but remains ambitious about their title chances.

Speaking to ON Sport following the group-stage draw, Zaher acknowledged the quality of the teams involved, describing the competition as a challenging contest in which several clubs have the potential to lift the trophy.

“The Champions League groups are all tough and strong teams, and they are all candidates for the championship. We respect all the teams and we respect all the teams in the group,” Zaher said.

Despite the difficult opposition, Pyramids remain confident in their ability to compete at the highest level, having already experienced the satisfaction of winning Africa’s premier club competition.

“We have already experienced the sweetness of winning the Champions League, and we are striving to win the title again,” he added.

Zaher also explained that head coach Mokwena will intensify preparations for the continental campaign once the club’s Egyptian league commitments are completed.

“Mokwena will start preparing for the matches after the Egyptian League matches are finished, and we are proceeding in parallel between the domestic league and Africa,” he stated.

The Pyramids official further stressed that preparation, concentration and consistency would be decisive factors in determining which team eventually claims the title.

“The Champions League has always been a strong tournament, and all the clubs are strong. There is more than one team that is a candidate to win the title, and the team that prepares and focuses will be the candidate to win,” Zaher said.

Pyramids secured their place in the group stage in convincing fashion, recording four consecutive victories during the preliminary rounds while scoring 12 goals and conceding just once.

Their qualifying campaign began with a 2-0 away victory over Kenyan side Gor Mahia before they completed the job with a 5-1 win in the return leg, advancing with a commanding 7-1 aggregate triumph.

The Egyptian side maintained that momentum in the second preliminary round against South Sudanese outfit Al-Merreikh Bentiu. Pyramids claimed a 1-0 away victory in the first leg before recording a comprehensive 4-0 win at home to progress with a 5-0 aggregate score.

Their impressive scoring record and defensive solidity will provide encouragement as they prepare for the challenges of the group stage.

However, Al-Hilal, Maghreb Fes and Horoya AC will all be determined to challenge Pyramids and secure qualification for the knockout rounds. The Egyptian side will therefore need to maintain their high standards throughout the campaign if they are to fulfil their ambition of lifting the trophy again.

With the group-stage matches scheduled to begin between November 27 and 29, Pyramids will now focus on balancing their domestic commitments with preparations for another demanding continental campaign.