Title holders Pyramids cruise into TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage

Pyramids FC continued their rise among Africa’s elite after easing past Ethiopian Insurance FC 2–0 at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Thursday night to book their place in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage for the third successive season.

The Egyptian champions, who lifted the continental crown last term, completed a 3–1 aggregate victory following a 1–1 draw in Addis Ababa last week.

Goals from Mustafa Zico and a late own goal sealed a comfortable night’s work for the Sky Blues, extending their impressive run on the continental stage.

Champions in control

From the outset, Pyramids were in command. The hosts pressed high and attacked with intent, creating chances within the opening minutes.

Their breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute when Mohamed El Sheibi delivered a precise cross from the right that found Mustafa Zico Abdel Raouf, who guided his effort past the Ethiopian goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

The early goal settled any nerves and forced Ethiopian Insurance to commit more men forward, but the visitors struggled to break down a well-organised Pyramids defence.

 Goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy remained largely untested as the first half ended with the holders in firm control.

Professional finish

After the interval, manager Krunoslav Jurcic’s side maintained their tempo, looking to put the tie beyond doubt.

Substitute Mohamed Hamdi went close before El Sheibi’s thunderous strike was superbly denied by the Ethiopian goalkeeper in the 77th minute.

Pyramids eventually doubled their lead deep into stoppage time when a corner kick deflected off a defender and into the net, sealing their progression and sparking celebrations among the home fans.

The win adds another milestone to Pyramids’ rapid continental rise.

Since making their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League debut three years ago, they have reached the group stage in every campaign—culminating in last season’s historic treble, where they captured the CAF Champions League, African-Asia-Pacific Cup, and CAF Super Cup.

Now, with their qualification secured once more, the reigning champions will be among the seeded teams in the upcoming group stage draw, set for Monday, 3 November, in Johannesburg.