Pyramids coach emphasizes importance of Sundowns game

Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Juricic expressed his excitement ahead of facing Brazilian giants Flamengo in the semi-finals of the Club Intercontinental Cup, stressing that he is very proud of what his club reached.

“I’m extremely excited for this match,” Juricic said. “Pyramids is still a newly established club, and to be here, competing in a tournament of this size and facing one of the world’s biggest teams like Flamengo, is a huge source of pride. It fuels our desire to continue this remarkable journey all the way to the end.”

Africa and African-Asian-Pacific champions Pyramids will take on Flamengo, winners of the Copa Libertadores and the Derby of the Americas Cup, on Saturday at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Doha. The match will decide a spot in the final against PSG and the winner of the FIFA Challenger Cup title.

Speaking at the press conference, Juricic added:
“I know Flamengo very well. I even watched them live in their match against Cruz Azul. They have outstanding players. But Pyramids is the champion of a massive continent like Africa. I trust my players completely—they are true champions who have faced big clubs and overcame very tough circumstances. Now we’re here in Qatar for the semi-final, and regardless of the opponent’s strength, I believe they will deliver a fantastic performance that will go down in the history of the club and of these players.”

On player absences, the Croatian coach admitted:
“There are several absences for different reasons, but the team has always pushed through such situations and continued its path strongly. I hope that continues tomorrow against Flamengo.”

Speaking about Walid El Karti’s absence due to his participation in the Arab Cup, Juricic said:
“This matter belongs to the administration—they are the best positioned to handle it. What I ask for is simple appreciation for this team and for these players who have achieved something close to a miracle and became champions.”

The coach called on the Egyptian community in Qatar—regardless of club allegiance—to turn up at the stadium:
“Pyramids represents Egypt and Egyptian football. Even the club’s name refers to one of the most iconic symbols of our country—the Pyramids of Giza.”

Juricic had an interesting classification for Sundowns game in the CAF Champions League final 2025:
“The Flamengo match is certainly important for the club’s history, but the Sundowns match remains the most important in Pyramids’ history. It crowned us African champions and was the reason we are here in Qatar today.”

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.