CAF Champions League: Pyramids grind out first leg draw at AS FAR

Mahmoud Zalaka’s goal early in the second half was enough for defending CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC to secure a favorable result on Friday in Morocco with a 1-1 draw against AS FAR at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

A 52nd minute Mohamed Chibi corner kick caused all sorts of issues in the hosts’ penalty area and Zalaka was there to finish from close range. The equalizer was crucial for the visitors from Cairo, who overcame a poor first half performance to seize the advantage for the second leg back home next Saturday.

It was a dream start for AS FAR, who notably showed more energy in the early stages of the match despite being forced to play behind closed doors and were rewarded in the 6th minute.

An excellent pass from the midfield by Zineddine Derrag found veteran forward Ahmed Hammoudan. The captain got behind on the left wing and met little resistance from the Pyramids defense before his effort snuck past goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy.

But the Royal Army club failed to advance on their early advantage and became too content to let the visitors become comfortable. The Egyptian club rallied and outplayed their hosts after halftime.

And the reward came early in the second half when Chibi’s corner kick was allowed to bounce in the box. An initial overhead kick attempt failed but the ball fell right to Zalaka to fire in the crucial goal.

All-level in Rabat! ✔️#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/F9GV00IFdg

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 13, 2026

It will be a difficult result for the Moroccan club to take. However, they can take heart in the fact that they have not lost a match yet in 2026 even if the odds are against them when the teams meet again at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.