For years, the narrative surrounding Pyramids FC has been one of immense investment searching for a definitive identity. But as the final whistle echoed across the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, that narrative shifted from potential to provenance. Pyramids secured the Egypt Cup for the second time in the club’s history, defeating ZED FC 2-1 in a match that mirrored the grit and ambition of a project finally reaching its crescendo.
The victory was not merely about adding another piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet; it was a statement of intent. By overcoming ZED—a side that has increasingly become a stubborn obstacle in their path—Pyramids demonstrated a tactical maturity and a clinical edge that has often eluded them in the highest-pressure moments. In a sport where history often outweighs current form, Pyramids are steadily building a history of their own.
The match began as a tentative chess match, with both sides cautious not to overextend. However, the deadlock was broken in the dying moments of the first half. A pivotal VAR intervention confirmed a penalty after ZED’s Abdel Rahman El Banoubi fouled Moroccan midfielder Walid El Karti inside the area. Karim Hafez stepped up in the 46th minute, showing ice-cold composure to slot the ball home and send Pyramids into the locker room with a slender, vital lead.
A Clinical Edge and a Moment of Chaos
Pyramids emerged for the second half with a renewed sense of urgency. Their dominance was rewarded in the 57th minute when Karim Hafez turned provider. A precision cross from the left wing found the Congolese international Fiston Mayele, whose instinctive strike beat goalkeeper Ali Lotfy to double the advantage. For a moment, the match seemed decided, as Pyramids controlled the tempo and stifled ZED’s attempts to regain a foothold.
However, the composure that defined the first hour vanished in the 81st minute. In a flash of frustration and aggression, Pyramids’ Mustafa Abdel Raouf, known as “Ziko,” was shown a straight red card after striking ZED defender Tarek Alaa. The dismissal forced Pyramids into a defensive shell for the final ten minutes, transforming a comfortable lead into a nerve-wracking survival exercise.
ZED refused to fade away. In the second minute of stoppage time, Raafat Khalil rose to meet a cross from Mostafa Saad, heading home a goal that reduced the deficit to 2-1. While the goal provided a momentary surge of hope for ZED, the clock proved to be their most formidable opponent. Pyramids held on to claim the title, repeating their success from the 2023-2024 season where they also defeated ZED in the final, albeit by a narrower 1-0 margin.
The Quest for the Holy Grail: The Egyptian League
While the Egypt Cup is a prestigious achievement, the ultimate goal for the club remains the Egyptian Premier League title—a trophy that has remained elusive. The timing of this cup victory is strategic, providing a psychological boost as the league race enters its final, breathless stage.
Pyramids currently find themselves in a three-way deadlock for the summit. With 53 points, they sit in second place, trailing leaders Zamalek by two points and holding a slim one-point lead over Al Ahly. The tension is palpable, as the traditional duopoly of Al Ahly and Zamalek is being challenged by a side that refuses to be an outsider.
| Position | Club | Points | Next Key Fixture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zamalek | 55 | vs. Ceramica Cleopatra |
| 2 | Pyramids FC | 53 | vs. Smouha (May 21) |
| 3 | Al Ahly | 52 | TBD |
Breaking the Traditional Hierarchy
The success of Pyramids under the guidance of Croatian manager Krunoslav Juricic reflects a shift in the landscape of Egyptian football. For decades, the domestic game has been a binary struggle between the “White” and “Red” giants. Pyramids is attempting to introduce a third color into that equation. By securing multiple domestic trophies and competing consistently on the continental stage, they are moving beyond the label of a “corporate project” and becoming a legitimate sporting institution.
The human element of this victory is perhaps most evident in the players. For the likes of Walid El Karti and Fiston Mayele, these trophies are the validation of their commitment to a project that is often scrutinized by the traditionalist press. The ability to maintain focus despite a low crowd turnout on Sunday speaks to a professional standard that Juricic has instilled in the squad.
As the dust settles on the Cairo International Stadium, the focus shifts immediately to May 21. Pyramids will face Smouha in their final league encounter, a match that could potentially decide the destiny of the title. If they can translate their cup-winning momentum into three points—and hope for a slip-up from Zamalek—they will achieve the one thing that money cannot buy: the recognition of being the best team in Egypt.
The next official checkpoint for the club will be the final matchday of the league on May 21, where Pyramids will seek their first-ever league title to complete a historic domestic double.
Do you think Pyramids FC can finally break the Zamalek-Al Ahly dominance for good? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
