Pyramids won their first African championship after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 across two matches. The Egyptian club became the fourth team from their country to claim the CAF Champions League title. Fiston Mayele scored nine goals during the tournament and helped drive his team to victory. Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurcic guided the squad through their second appearance at the continental level. Emirati businessman Salem al Shamsi provided financial support that made success possible.
Mayele moved from Tanzania to Egypt and proved his worth with clinical finishing throughout the competition. The 30-year-old striker from Democratic Republic of Congo often appeared invisible during matches before striking at crucial moments. He scored twice against FAR Rabat and twice more against Orlando Pirates during the knockout rounds. His goal against Sundowns started a sweeping attack that he finished himself. The prolific scorer began his professional career only five years ago.
Coach Jurcic surprised opponents with attacking tactics instead of defensive strategies favored previously. The 55-year-old former Croatia midfielder encouraged his players to outscore rivals rather than defend leads. Nineteen different players found the net during the African campaign as Pyramids scored 37 goals total. Veterans Ahmed el Shenawy and three teammates had lost the 2016 final with Zamalek against these same Sundowns opponents. Pyramids faces Zamalek next week for the Egyptian cup before meeting Renaissance Berkane for continental supremacy.
Mayele moved from Tanzania to Egypt and proved his worth with clinical finishing throughout the competition. The 30-year-old striker from Democratic Republic of Congo often appeared invisible during matches before striking at crucial moments. He scored twice against FAR Rabat and twice more against Orlando Pirates during the knockout rounds. His goal against Sundowns started a sweeping attack that he finished himself. The prolific scorer began his professional career only five years ago.
Coach Jurcic surprised opponents with attacking tactics instead of defensive strategies favored previously. The 55-year-old former Croatia midfielder encouraged his players to outscore rivals rather than defend leads. Nineteen different players found the net during the African campaign as Pyramids scored 37 goals total. Veterans Ahmed el Shenawy and three teammates had lost the 2016 final with Zamalek against these same Sundowns opponents. Pyramids faces Zamalek next week for the Egyptian cup before meeting Renaissance Berkane for continental supremacy.
