Intercontinental Cup: Set pieces haunt Pyramids FC in defeat to Flamengo

African club champions Pyramids FC’s run at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup came to an end on Saturday with an 0-2 defeat to Brazilian giants Flamengo.

After a spirited run at the tournament that saw them overcome Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Auckland City of New Zealand, Egyptian big spenders Pyramids were undone by goals from set pieces in an even clash at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

A strong start from Flamengo saw the Rio de Janeiro club rewarded in the 24th minute when Leo Pereira rose up to nod in Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s corner kick. Pyramids striker Fiston Mayele, the newly-crowned African Interclub Player of the Year, had a golden opportunity to equalize before halftime but his shot was excellently saved by Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi in a 1-v-1 situation.

And despite not looking particularly dangerous in the attack, the Copa Libertadores champions punished their opponents once again for lackluster marking early in the second half. This time it was former Juventus and Manchester City fullback Danilo who was wide open to head in from another de Arrascaeta corner kick in the 52nd minute.

The result denies Pyramids a dream clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the final, which will see the European club champions face Flamengo on Wednesday at the same venue. The Intercontinental Cup is the spiritual successor of the tournament formerly called the FIFA Club World Cup which brings together the six club champions from each confederation.