CAF Champions League: Pyramids coach highlights fixture congestion ahead of AS FAR clash

Pyramids FC coach Krunoslav Jurčić has become known for not being shy about sharing his opinions and the Croatian had plenty to say ahead of his club’s CAF Champions League quarterfinal, second leg clash against AS FAR on Saturday.

Regarding his team, the coach of the reigning African club champions explained how the players will need to work even harder this time around to defend their title:

“I am happy that Pyramids FC has reached the quarter-finals of the strongest tournament in the African continent, especially since Pyramids is the title holder and everyone knows that reaching the top and winning the title is difficult, but maintaining it is even more difficult.”

The Croatian tactician also emphasized that after a favorable 1-1 draw in the first leg away from home, Saturday’s match must be prepared for with a separate mentality compared to the opening duel.

🎞️ Match Highlights:
Goals from Hammoudan & Zalaka grant AS FAR & Pyramids FC a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals’ first leg. #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/JTEs6AkE3d

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 14, 2026

But Jurčić had the most to say about fixture congestion and a perceived lack of respect that Pyramids are receiving: “Pyramids is the only team that played a match in the Egypt Cup between the first and second leg matches of the (Champions League) quarter-finals, and I do not know the reason.

“Despite all the achievements Pyramids has made for Egyptian football in the past two years, it is not being appreciated properly, but rather is being subjected to abnormal and incomprehensible things.”

Pyramids’ busy schedule ahead of CAF Champions League 2nd leg

The Cairo club had played five matches in sixteen days after Tuesday’s Egypt Cup quarterfinal victory over Petrojet. They currently sit level with Zamalek at the top of the Egyptian Premier League table while maintaining a strong presence in the Champions League and domestic cup.

After Saturday’s second leg, the club will have some time to rest. They will have a two-week break until the Egypt Cup semifinals when they face ENPPI, but if they advance past Moroccan club AS FAR on Saturday in the Champions League then they will be set for another busy stretch beginning in early April.