Pyramids FC won the CAF Champions League because of tactical flexibility...and Fiston Mayele

Photo: Pyramids FC/Facebook

After years of big spending and underwhelming results, Pyramids FC have finally achieved their major objective to reach the pinnacle of African club football after defeating South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League final by a 3-2 aggregate score.

The Cairo club's 2-1 second leg victory on Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in the Egyptian capital provided them with the aggregate victory and most importantly, the recognition they have long desired locally and continentally. In an Egyptian football scene dominated by Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, Pyramids have taken a big step forward towards muscling their way into relevance.

But while big money signings are a proven way to meet high aspirations, it has to all come together on the pitch and credit must be given to Pyramids head coach Krunoslav Jurčić. The Croatian, who arrived in February 2024 with the task of implementing attractive and possession-based football at Pyramids, won the CAF Champions League because of his tactical flexibility.

After many years of dominance by North African clubs in CAF club competitions, a noticeable trend emerged this season: The high respect given to South Africa's dominant club Sundowns. Sundowns' quarterfinal (Espérance of Tunisia) and semifinal (Egypt's Al Ahly) opponents essentially played anti-football, utilizing negative and defensive tactics. While this strategy kept the North African giants close, in the end this strategy did not work and increased animosity from the supporters of these clubs who expected more positive football.

But Krunic found the perfect balance between staying true to his reputation and producing winning football and this was all on display in the Champions League final. Pyramids did play defensively at times but they also picked important moments to attack and catch Sundowns off guard. Most importantly, they had a weapon that Espérance and Al Ahly did not have: star striker Fiston Mayele.

The video above perfectly highlights how important a striker like Mayele can be. While the Congolese scored in this clip, his ability to receive the ball in hostile territory and distribute to his attacking teammates was why Pyramids opened the scoring on Sunday. At times, Mayele had little involvement but that is the life of a striker...it is crucial moments like the opening goal on Sunday where a player like Mayele can change the outlook of a match entirely.

At previous club Young Africans in Tanzania, all Mayele had to focus on was what he does best which is finishing opportunities. But his game has evolved: His decision making on the ball, his ability to receive the ball in space as well as with defenders surrounding him. These are all reasons why his status has elevated for both club and the DR Congo national team.

But of course, Pyramids' triumph is the result of an outstanding team effort led mostly by experience. A reliable midfield led by intelligent and hard working central players Mohanad Lasheen and Blati Touré. Excellent fullbacks Mohamed Chibi and Mohamed Hamdi who are reliable on both defense and attack. And also more experience as well as strong physicality in the heart of the defense from central defenders Mahmoud Marei and Ahmed Samy, whose ability in the air was clear on the trophy-winning goal.

The only way to defeat a team like Mamelodi Sundowns at this level is with a true team effort from the technical staff to the players on the pitch who can execute and also adapt to the unique situations created in games that decide trophies.

Pyramids FC's past failures and current success are a prime example of how it is not solely about the personnel but the coordination of all the elements to create a team that wins championships. The foundation of the Pyramids team was always there but the introduction of coach Jurčić and game-changing striker Mayele made the ultimate difference.