Pyramids frustrated with EFA

by Staff Reporter

Thursday May 29, 2025. 13:00

Pyramids head coach Krunoslav Jurcic and sporting director Hani Saeed have expressed frustration at the lack of the Egyptian Football Association’s willingness to aid their CAF Champions League title bid.

Jurcic’s side reached the final of Africa’s elite club competition against all odds and they are in a strong position to lift the coveted trophy after holding Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld on May 24.

The New Cairo outfit had requested that the EFA postpone their league clash with Ceramica Cleopatra on May 28 to give them more time to prepare for the second leg against the Brazilians at the 30 June Stadium on June 1.

However, their plea fell on deaf ears and Jurcic feels let down by the governing body, who has on numerous occasions come to the aid of Al Ahly and Zamalek.

“Pyramids FC does not receive any support from anyone in Egypt and is fighting alone despite representing Egypt in the most important tournament on the continent,” the Croatian said.

“In just 48 hours, we have to head to Ismailia for a decisive match that will determine the league title against Ceramica Cleopatra.

“The starting line-ups must play in this match due to its importance. It would have been better to support Pyramids in the continental final.”

Saeed accused the EFA of double standards, adding: “What is the purpose of the association’s existence? Is it just to be like the foreign leagues?

“If Al Ahly or Zamalek had played instead of Pyramids, neither would have played a match between the two CAF Champions League finals.

“My problem is not with Al Ahly or Zamalek, but with those responsible for football in Egypt. When the league schedule was set, no-one imagined that Pyramids would reach the Champions League final.”