Pyramids FC is preparing for an important match as they host Kenyan side Gor Mahia at 8 PM today, Sunday, at the Air Defense Stadium in the second leg of the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The Sky Blues aim to confirm their superiority and secure a spot in the next stage, building on the valuable 2-0 victory they achieved in the first leg at the Nyayo National Stadium in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
Pyramids enters the match with high morale after putting one foot in the next round, but head coach Rolani Mokwena has urged the players to take the match seriously and not rely on the first-leg result, especially since the opponent will approach the game with the goal of scoring an early goal to change the dynamics of qualification.
Mustafa Ziko Returns to Pyramids
Pyramids receives a significant boost before facing Gor Mahia with the return of Mustafa Ziko to the squad after a long absence. His return is considered one of the key assets that the coaching staff can rely on, given the player's ability to move and create opportunities in the attacking third.
The Pyramids squad also sees the return of Mohamed Hamdi after a long absence due to an ACL injury, making him a valuable addition to the team, especially with his experience and ability to play in multiple positions, providing the coaching staff with tactical options and additional alternatives during the match.
Pyramids hopes to leverage their home advantage to confirm their superiority from the first leg, aiming to continue their journey in the continental tournament they currently hold the title for, having won the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history in the previous edition.
Gor Mahia Aims for an Upset Against Pyramids
On the other hand, Gor Mahia clings to the hope of pulling off an upset and turning the match in their favor, despite losing the first leg 2-0. The team seeks to exploit any decline or complacency from Pyramids players, applying pressure from the first minutes in search of a goal to bring them back into the match.
The Kenyan team knows that scoring an early goal could provide a significant morale boost and put Pyramids under pressure, so Gor Mahia is expected to rely on attacking play and attempt to exploit set pieces and counterattacks, hoping to make up the two-goal deficit and snatch a qualification spot from Cairo.
