CAF Confederation Cup
EGYPT’S PYRAMIDS EYEING FIRST-LEG ADVANTAGE OVER NIGERIA’S ENYIMBA
Pyramids are picking themselves up following a stunning Egyptian league defeat as they host Nigeria’s Enyimba in the first leg of the Confederation Cup quarters
Egyptian side Pyramids FC will be looking to secure a comfortable first-leg advantage when they host Nigeria’s Enyimba in the African Confederation Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Pyramids are eager to make up for last year’s agonizing defeat by Morocco’s RS Berkane in the Confederation Cup final, which left them waiting for their first piece of silverware.
The club have been spending big over the past few seasons after being bought by Arab Gulf investors, but they are still finding it difficult to challenge Cairo giants Ahly and Zamalek for domestic honours.
But the Confederation Cup, Africa’s secondary club competition, represents a good chance for Pyramids to have a shot at what would be their first ever crown.
Pyramids have been inconsistent in the Egyptian Premier League lately, holding leaders Zamalek to a 1-1 draw and beating Wadi Degla 3-1 before suffering a stunning 4-2 loss to top-flight debutants Ceramica Cleopatra.
“We are seeking to get a good result in the home game that would help us continue our path towards the title,” the team’s Argentinean boss Rodolfo Arruabarrena told the pre-match news conference.
“We worked on getting the players mentally ready following the previous painful loss in the domestic league, which was the worst thing that happened to us this season.
“Enyimba have a strong frontline but we are keen to exploit their defensive problems,” he added.
Pyramids finished second in their group behind runaway leaders Raja of Morocco while Enyimba narrowly topped theirs ahead of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.
Enyimba will miss suspended winger Anayo Iwuala and defender defender Nabil Yarou, who was unable to travel to Egypt due to passport issues. Pyramids have an almost fully fit squad to choose from.
“It’s going to be a big match everybody knows that, pyramids FC over time they have really established themselves at the level of the continent and they are a formidable side any day any time,” Enyimba coach Fatai Osho said on the club’s official website.
Zamalek commenced their CAF Confederation Cup journey with a 1-0 win over Kenya’s Police in the initial leg of the second preliminary round held in Nairobi this Saturday.
Veteran winger Abdallah El-Saied secured the win for the Whites with a precise strike from outside the box just a minute before halftime.
The Cairo giants, winners of the 2023-2024 CAF Confederation Cup title, started the match with relentless pressure on the hosts to clinch victory in the first leg and alleviate pressure before the upcoming return fixture in Cairo next Friday.
“The most important thing for us was to win and achieve our target,” Zamalek coach Gomes said after the game.
Hosts Police FC of Kenya could not breach Zamalek’s resolute defense in search of an equalizer.
Despite notable summer acquisitions, Zamalek’s coach Jose Gomes opted for a standard lineup, integrating young talents in lieu of seasoned players.
“We are now stronger than the previous season, thanks to spending more time with the team and preparing to play in the tournaments that we will participate in,” the Portuguese coach added.
Conversely, Kenya’s Police FC squandered a clear scoring opportunity against Zamalek, missing a crucial chance fifteen minutes before the final whistle, dashing hopes of leveling the score.
Kenya’s Police FC earned their place in this round following a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over Ethiopia Coffee SC.
-Ahram
Nigeria’s Enyimba played a thrilling 0-0 draw with Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second round tie in Bamako on Friday.
There have been three previous confrontation with Burkina Faso teams and this Friday encounter was the second time that Enyimba had had to face Etoile Filante.
According to facts supplied by Opta Nigeria, Etoile Filante were Enyimba’s first ever opponent on the continent 22 years ago in March 2002. Ever since, Enyimba have played 157 times on the continent; the highest by any Nigerian club.
Enyimba carry their advantage to the return leg to be played on 22 September.
Nigeria’s sole survivors in the CAF Confederation Cup,Enyimba will face Burkina Faso sides, Etoile de Filante in the second round of the competition.
Enyimba drew bye in the preliminary round while the Burkina Faso team reached the second round after eliminating Hafia of Guinea.
Enyimba, second runners-up in the Nigerian League will be attempting to win the Confederation Cup for the first time for Nigeria as they did in the Champions League 21 years ago.
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