Elgabas confident of a spectacle as Pyramids eye continental glory
Pyramids FC striker Dodo Elgabas has expressed his excitement and confidence ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final on Saturday in Pretoria, insisting that his side is fully prepared to deliver an excellent performance against a formidable opponent in Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Egyptian outfit, who are appearing in the final for the first time in their history, know they face a daunting task against the 2016 champions. Yet for Elgabas and his teammates, the occasion is one they have long prepared for, and one they intend to enjoy.
“We are very happy to be here as a club, as a team,” said Elgabas in the official pre-match press conference. “It’s a big achievement to play the most important game in Africa. The CAF Champions League final is the biggest team game on the continent. That’s something we worked hard for as a team and as a club.”
The striker believes that both clubs know each other inside out, having met in last year’s competition. Despite being relative newcomers to the elite stages of African football, Pyramids have steadily grown in stature and Elgabas insists they are no longer the underdogs.
“We know we are playing against a big opponent. Sundowns are a very good team, but we have experience in a competition like this. We played them last year, so I think the book is open between us. We know how they play and I think they know how we play. We are ready for the game tomorrow,” he added.
Elgabas praised the atmosphere around the team, describing the squad as “cloud,” a reference to the light and positive mood that has surrounded the players throughout their journey. He is hopeful that fans watching across the continent will enjoy the spectacle.
“My players, they are ready. And I thought that all the supporters, all the people who were watching this match, they will enjoy tomorrow,” he said.
With the biggest prize in African club football at stake, the final promises not only high intensity and tactical intrigue, but also the culmination of two contrasting journeys.
Sundowns, a seasoned giant hungry to reclaim continental dominance, take on a hungry and ambitious Pyramids side ready to etch their name in history.