'First half done' – Jurisic eyes history as Pyramids target CAF Champions League glory

Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurisic has praised his side’s resilience and character after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in Pretoria.

Walid El Karti’s stoppage-time header salvaged a crucial draw for the Egyptian side after Lucas Ribeiro had given the South African hosts the lead in the second half at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

“I am very proud of my team's performance against a big team like Sundowns, which has a lot of experience in the CAF Champions League,” said Jurisic in the post-match press conference.

“We played a very strong match and were the better team for most of it. If it weren't for bad luck, we would have scored many more goals.”

The late equaliser was a reward, the Croatian coach said, for the spirit his players have shown all season. “El Karti's goal is a reward for this champion team with its great character,” he added.

Jurisic, who took over at Pyramids during the season, has overseen a strong run to the club’s first-ever appearance in a CAF Champions League final.

He pointed to the team’s consistency in battling back from adversity as a sign of their growth.

“Coming back in matches, scoring and winning have been repeated many times this season in the league and in the continental championship. It reflects the players' exemplary character,” he said.

“The players were heroes and deserve praise for their excellent performance.”

However, Jurisic was quick to temper celebrations, reminding his side that the job is far from over.

“In the end, we haven't achieved anything yet. What happened is that we only finished the first half, and we have a second half in Egypt in just a week. We must win to secure the precious title.”

The second leg will be played on Saturday, 1 June, at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo.

Pyramids need a win of any margin to lift the trophy for the first time in their history and become the fourth Egyptian club to win the continent’s premier title.

With the tie balanced and the stakes high, Jurisic and his Pyramids side are determined to defy the odds and carve their name into African football history.