Pyramids outclass Etoile du Congo

John Antwi

Saturday Aug 10, 2019. 22:15

Egypt’s Pyramids FC have moved to within touching distance of the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after claiming a 4-1 win over Republic of Congo’s Etoile du Congo on Saturday night.

The preliminary round, first-leg tie at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo saw Sebastien Desabre’s team show their class with a comfortable victory, though the concession of a late away goal will be a concern.

Pyramids claimed the lead as early as the 12th minute through Ghanaian striker John Antwi, who took advantage of a slick passing move from the hosts.

On the quarter hour mark it was 2-0: this time Eric Traore took advantage of some sloppy defending from Etoile to give the home side some early breathing room.

And it was 3-0 by the 26th minute, with Antwi completing his brace with another good finish. Etoile looked in danger of a heavy defeat by this stage, but managed to get to the interval with no further goals conceded.

Pyramids took their foot off the gas in the second half, while the Congolese side were much more disciplined and organised in defence, looking to limit the damage and at least keep alive some hope of a turnaround in the return game.

And the visitors initially managed to better that aim by claiming an away goal from Mokomio in the penultimate minute of regulation time, but they soon shipped a fourth to Ahmed Ali to undo much of their good work.

The match finished 4-1 in favour of the Egyptian team, who will head to the second leg in Brazzaville in two weeks’ time confident of claiming a place in the first round.

The aggregate winner of this tie will face either Algeria’s CR Belouizdad or Chad’s AS Coton Tchad in the first round next month.