Pyramids FC administrative director Ahmed Zaher has rejected suggestions that the Egyptian club are favourites to win the CAF Champions League, insisting that the competition remains open despite their status as the 2025 champions.
Zaher said his side must concentrate on navigating a difficult group-stage campaign rather than allowing expectations to influence their approach to the tournament.
The Egyptian club were drawn alongside Morocco’s MAS Fes, Sudanese side Al Hilal and Guinea’s Horoya AC, with all four teams competing for places in the quarter-finals.
Speaking in the presence of a Winwin reporter after the draw, Zaher stressed that Pyramids would approach every opponent with respect, pointing to the quality of the teams involved in this year’s competition.
He noted that 16 clubs had reached the group stage, each with ambitions of progressing further, making consistency and concentration essential for any side hoping to lift the trophy.
Zaher warns Pyramids against underestimating their opponents
Zaher believes Pyramids must be prepared for the demands of playing both at home and away if they are to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
The administrative director emphasised that collecting points on the road would be just as important as taking advantage of home fixtures, particularly in a group featuring teams with considerable continental experience.
The Pyramids official said: “You have to play away from home just like you play in Egypt, and try to collect as many points as possible. Our goal is to achieve good results.”
His comments underline the importance the club places on maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout the group stage rather than relying solely on their home matches.
Zaher also highlighted the strength of the wider competition, explaining that several participating clubs have the ability, history and supporters to mount serious challenges for the title.
With such a competitive field, he believes it would be premature to identify one team as the clear favourite before the group-stage matches have been played.
Pyramids will therefore need to approach their fixtures carefully as they attempt to build on their previous continental success and secure another place among Africa’s leading clubs.
Pyramids refuse to claim favourite status
Despite winning the CAF Champions League in 2025, Pyramids are not placing themselves above their rivals in the race for this season’s trophy.
Zaher dismissed the idea that the club should automatically be considered the leading contender because of their previous triumph, saying the team remained focused on its performances rather than predictions about the eventual winner.
He said: “There are no expectations, our team is working hard and we are striving to win and continue the journey as far as possible.”
The statement reflects the club’s determination to avoid looking too far ahead, with qualification from the group stage representing the immediate challenge.
Pyramids will face competition from sides seeking to establish themselves among Africa’s elite, while established clubs will also be eager to make progress in the tournament.
Zaher’s position is that previous success does not guarantee another title and that Pyramids must demonstrate their quality throughout the campaign if they are to defend their continental standing.
The Egyptian side’s domestic form, however, offers an encouraging backdrop ahead of their African fixtures.
Pyramids have made an impressive start to the Egyptian Premier League season, winning their opening seven matches to collect 21 points and move to the top of the standings.
That run has provided the club with a strong foundation, although Zaher has made clear that their domestic achievements should not lead to assumptions about what will happen in the Champions League.
Pyramids will now look to carry their positive league form into the continental competition as they pursue another deep run, with Zaher insisting that hard work and results must determine how far they progress.
