Pyramids FC head coach Krunoslav Jurčić says they always believed they would be able to score an equaliser even as late as they did against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final.
The Croatian was visibly buoyed when entering the press conference after securing a vital away goal with the last kick of the game as experienced midfielder Walid El-Karti netted to make it 1-1 ahead of their second leg in Cairo next week.
Having scored several late goals in the competition this season, the admitted he always, deep down, believed they would be able to level matters even as time was running out at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.
“We showed many times this season, we have excellent character to come back after negative starts, congratulations to my players,” Jurčić said after the 1-1 draw.
“I told you before we scored in the last five minutes in this competition, 15, 20 times, this is the character of the team, we believe in all moments. I believe I can transmit my energy to my guys and they follow up, I’m a very happy coach.
“I can’t say I’m disappointed with the draw, it’s a positive result but normally, I say it at all times, big teams, big teams – maybe we need more time but big teams score with half chances, only half chances.
“I think today, I don’t want to speak about 100% percent chances but we had three or four situations where we had to score one or two goals. Maybe if I do analysis like this I could say I’m disappointed, but in the end Sundowns scored and we came back, I’m satisfied with the result but I believe it’s only the first half.”
The two sides will meet at 30 June Stadium on Sunday evening next week to decide the 2025 champions of Africa at 19h00.
