In a high-stakes CAF Champions League quarterfinal second-leg showdown, Morocco’s AS FAR hosts Egyptian giants Pyramids FC at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes (20,000 capacity) on Tuesday evening.
With Pyramids holding a commanding 4-1 aggregate lead from the first leg, AS FAR faces a Herculean task to overturn the deficit and keep their continental dreams alive.
The Stade d’Honneur in Meknes, known for its electric atmosphere, will be packed with passionate AS FAR supporters hoping to roar their team to an improbable comeback. For Pyramids, the mission is clear: avoid collapse under pressure and secure a historic semifinal berth.
Trailing by three goals, the Moroccan side must win by at least 3-0 to force extra time or 4-1 to level the tie. A more realistic but daunting target is a three-goal victory.
A draw or even a two-goal loss would see the Egyptians through, thanks to their dominant first-leg performance in Cairo.
This match isn’t just about progression—it’s a battle for legacy. Neither club has won the CAF Champions League, and both view this season as a golden opportunity to etch their names into African football history.
AS FAR has never advanced beyond this stage, making this their most critical match in recent memory. Their journey included gritty wins over North African rivals, but the first-leg collapse in Cairo exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Pyramids (Egyptian Premier League runners-up), meanwhile, are building a reputation as continental contenders. They reached the semifinals in 2023 and boast a 24-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, dating back to December 2024.
Their attacking flair, led by Congolese striker Fiston Mayele (4 Champions League goals this season), has been pivotal.
Players to Watch
Fiston Mayele (Pyramids): The in-form forward scored in the first leg and netted a brace in Pyramids’ recent Egypt Cup semifinal. His physicality and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.
Youssef El Fahli (AS FAR): The Moroccan winger, with 10 goals in 31 games this season, must step up. His creativity and pace could unlock Pyramids’ defense.
Ahmed El-Shenawy (Pyramids): The veteran goalkeeper’s composure will be vital against AS FAR’s expected onslaught.
El Amine Zouhzouh (AS FAR): Returning from injury, the winger’s dribbling and crosses could spark a comeback
AS FAR: Coach Alexandre Santos is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive stability while pushing fullbacks forward. Midfielders Zinedine Derrag and Khalid Ait Ouarkhane must dominate possession to feed El Fahli and Zouhzouh on the wings
Pyramids: Manager Krunoslav Jurčić favors a 4-4-2 setup, relying on rapid transitions and width. Wingers Ramadan Sobhi and Ibrahim Adel (5 Champions League goals) will exploit gaps left by AS FAR’s attacking fullbacks
“We’ve got 95 minutes to show our identity. The belief is there. Every player knows what’s at stake” Alexandre Santos
“We’re expecting a storm. AS FAR are aggressive and technically strong, but if we play as we did in Cairo, we’ll go through” Krunoslav Jurčić
Pyramids’ preparations were marred by off-field drama, with the club filing a complaint to CAF over AS FAR’s alleged obstruction of their training facilities in Morocco. The Egyptians trained on a subpar pitch in Kenitra, risking injuries. This adds spice to an already fiery encounter.
While AS FAR’s passionate home support could inspire an early surge, Pyramids’ tactical discipline and attacking firepower make them favorites to advance. A 1-1 draw is predicted on the night, sealing an aggregate victory for the Egyptians.
However, in football, miracles are never off the table.
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