Two quarterfinal qualifiers could be determined by the end of the weekend in Group D of the CAF Champions League and Egyptian big spenders Pyramids FC could be one of them with a victory on Saturday (16:00 GMT) against hosts Sagrada in Luanda, Angola. Pyramids and Tunisian club Espérance ST are each one win away in a weak Group D but Sagrada are still in the chase and have plenty to play for at home in an inhospitable climate for North African clubs.
Group D Table
GP | Points | |
Espérance ST | 4 | 7 |
Pyramids FC | 4 | 7 |
Sagrada | 4 | 5 |
Djoliba | 4 | 2 |
Sagrada
The Angolan club kept their quarterfinal hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over fellow group underdogs Djoliba of Mali last Sunday and now the real test arrives to prove they are a legitimate contender. To do this, the Diamond Miners must win against a team who defeated them 5-1 in the opening match of the group stage but the hot conditions in Angola should favor the hosts.
But it must be noted that Sagrada have not conceded a single goal in Group D since that opening match against Pyramids. A strong defense that includes a couple of players who have represented the Angola national team managed to hold Espérance to a 0-0 draw in Luanda, evidence that it will be difficult for the Pyramids attack. Goalkeeper Nsesane, central defender Lulas and the experienced Alexandre Fernando are joined by other experienced players like fullback Luis Tati to form a formidable unit behind talented Mozambican defensive midfielder Shaquille Nangy.
However it is true that Sagrada have only scored one goal since that drubbing at the hands of Pyramids and the attack is quite weak. Mussa Teixeira was one of the top scorers last season in Angola's top division Girabola with CD Lunda Sul and is the leading scorer at the club this season. Dabanda is another potential contributor in a team that lacks capable foreign imports in the attack.
Pyramids FC
The Egyptian club achieved an amazing comeback victory last Sunday against Espérance and now they only need to avoid defeat in Angola. Head coach Krunoslav Jurčić is enjoying the return of some key players from injury and illness and now it appears Pyramids are in peak condition to clinch qualifcation for the quarterfinals. Jurčić indicated in pre-match comments that confidence is high following their last match.
The defense is experienced and built for a competition like this. Former Egypt national team defender Ali Gabr is a bruising presence in the center and is supported by former Zamalek goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy. Burkina Faso national team midfielder Ibrahim Touré is back to full health and will provide a valuable shield for the defensive line which is missing key fullbacks Mohamed Hamdi and Mohamed Chibi. Versatile options Karim Hafez and Ahmed Tawfik are likely to replace Hamdi and Chibi, reducing the attacking capabilities of Pyramids on the wings but maintaining defensive stability.
In attack, high priced striker Fiston Mayele has only scored twice in the last two months but appears likely to continue as the main scoring option. Mostafa Fathi was crucial in the comeback against Espérance and will likely operate on the right wing while Egypt national team rising star Ibrahim Adel occupies the opposite flank.
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