CAIRO — Egyptian giants Zamalek and compatriots Pyramids FC ensured their spots in the CAF Champions League Group Stage after completing the double over Rwanda’s APR and South Sudan El-Merriekh Bentiu respectively in Cairo on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Horoya of Guinea reached the elite group stage, after beating Sudan’s Al-Merrikh 4-2 on penalties.
First minute joy for Zamalek
Five-time champions Zamalek scored very early at the infamous Cairo International Stadium to repeat their last weekend 1-0 over APR of Rwanda and secure their Group Stage qualification winning 2-0 in aggregate.
Ahmed Sherif scored only 45 seconds after the whistle, to give the White Knights an early relief while their fans cheered in the stands. Despite the numerous chances over both halves, the game saw no further goals as Zamalek confirmed their place among the 16-teams group stage.
It’s the first time for the Cairo giants to reach the CAF Champions League group stage since 2022-23, as Zamalek look to end a 25-year drought since they last lifted the trophy in 2002.
Pyramids cruise easily
Elsewhere in Cairo, Pyramids FC cruised to a 4-0 victory over South Sudan El-Merriekh Bentiu to reach the group stage with an aggregate 5-0 win, having won the first leg 1-0 in Juba last weekend, cafonline.com reported.
Abdelrahman Magdi gave the 2025 Champions League champions the lead after 23 minutes at the Air Defence Stadium, before he completed his brace five minutes later.
Mostafa Fathi made it 3-0 to the hosts two minutes inside the first half injury time as Pyramids all but secured their spot in the next round.
Algerian Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali put the cherry on top of the cake as Pyramids completed the rout and ensured they will go searching for their second continental glory.
Penalties smile for Horoya
Meanwhile, Guinea’s Horoya needed a penalty shootout to reach the group stage after beating Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh.
Mohamed Kabani scored what proved to be the game’s lone goal at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, as Al-Merrikh equalized the aggregate score at 1-1 after losing the first leg in Conakry with the same scoreline.
It was penalty shootout to decide the winner, and Horoya converted all their four penalties decisively, while Al-Merrikh missed twice to waste their group stage hopes.
Horoya will now await the draw to know their opponents, while Al-Merrikh will regret their missed chance.
