Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids FC continued with their perfect start to the season after securing their sixth consecutive league win against a stubborn Ceramica Cleopatra.
Following Al Ahly SC’s win over their biggest rivals Zamalek SC last night, Pyramids had dropped to second place. Coming to this clash, Mokwena’s side needed a win to reclaim the lead.
But the 2024/25 CAF Champions League winners didn’t have a good start after Cleopatra took the lead in the fifth minute through Abdallah Magdy who was previously in the books of Pyramids.
Just nine minutes later, though, Egyptian international Mostafa Ziko grabbed the equaliser to make it 1-1. During Egypt’s national loss to Bafana Bafana Ziko was highly praised by Mokwena and has proved that he is a top player who could carry the club.
After 20 minutes, Algerian international striker Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali put Pyramids in the lead for the first time in this game, making it 2-1. The 26-year-old was with Algeria in the previous FIFA World Cup and scored one goal.
Pyramids now looked even more dangerous every time they got into Cleopatra’s half; and with eight minutes remaining before half-time Al-Ahram extended the lead to 3-1 after a lovely goal from Mohanad Lasheen adding to his assist on the night.
In the second half, Pyramids kept it tight at the back and kept on rotating the ball as they aimed to dictate the tempo of the game.
Mokwena made five substitutions between the 59th minute and the 69th minute which included bringing on Youssef Obama. The 31-year-old made his mark in the 77th minute as he scored the fourth goal for Pyramids to make it 4-1.
That sealed the maximum points for Pyramids FC as the final whistle blew; Mokwena’s side made it six wins in six league matches. Al-Ahram returned to the top of the Egyptian Premier League leapfrogging Al Ahly SC by two points.
They shift the focus to the CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash against Sudan giants El-Merriekh in the upcoming weekend.