CAF Champions League: Pyramids confirm group stage spot

Pyramids FC are through to the group stage of the CAF Champions League following Thursday’s 2-0 second leg victory over Ethiopian Insurance.

After a 1-1 first leg result at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, the reigning African club champions advanced 3-1 on aggregate with a second leg victory at the same venue. Mostafa Ziko headed the hosts into the lead from a Mohamed Chibi cross in the 11th minute.

Ethiopian Insurance remained in the tie thanks to a heroic effort from Ethiopia national team goalkeeper Fasil Gebremichael. However, the visitors could not pose much of a threat to the holders’ defense before a late own goal confirmed the Ethiopian Premier League champions’ elimination.

Now only one spot in the group stage is yet to be determined. RS Berkane, who fell to defeat against Pyramids in the CAF Super Cup, will finish up their qualifying stage clash with Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli with the second leg in Berkane on Saturday. The Moroccan champions played their Libyan counterparts to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

The group stage draw for both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will take place on November 3 in Johannesburg.