Ahmed Atef. Photo credit: Pyramids FC
Pyramids FC winger Ahmed ‘Qata’ Atef has issued a plea to rival fans from Al Ahly and Zamalek, asking for their support in the CAF Champions League final second-leg against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The highly anticipated match is set to kick off on Sunday night at 7 PM SAST at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, with Pyramids FC securing a late equaliser at Loftus Stadium last Saturday. Following that match, Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurčić highlighted the team’s typical lack of fan support, often seeing only 50 to 100 fans at their games.
As a result, he extended an open invitation to all Egyptians to fill the June 30 Stadium and rally behind the team.
“We’re alone, in all this season, without any support, but I think we’re stronger in this situation,” said Jurčić while in Pretoria. “We will continue like this. Please, all the people of Egypt, come to our stadium because for seven days we’re playing for Egypt.
“We’re playing for Egyptian football, my guys deserve support. I thought that the stadium would be full. We don’t have maybe 50 or 100 supporters, this is maximum on our matches, but please come support these guys because they deserve it.”
However, in a surprising turn, many supporters of both Zamalek and Al Ahly have declared their allegiance to Sundowns, driven by a desire to prevent their fierce domestic rivals, Pyramids FC, from claiming the Champions League title.
Atef echoed his coach’s feelings, emphasising that the final transcends being just a Pyramids assignment.
“Now isn’t the time to say Al Ahly, Zamalek, or Pyramids. We are an Egyptian team representing the entire country, and we hope everyone will be behind us,” he said.
Speaking on the Champions League final, Atef added: “We know that Sundowns is a strong team, but that does not cause us as much concern as Pyramids. We trust ourselves and will play a great match, God willing.”
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