CAF CL: Mayele bags brace as Pyramids prep semi-final berth after huge win against FAR

Two braces from Congolese striker Fiston Mayele and skilled winger Ibrahim Adel secured a vital 4-1 win for Pyramids FC over Morocco’s FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, giving the Egyptian outfit a significant stride toward securing a semi-final berth.

Mayele netted both of his goals in the opening 15 minutes, with Adel contributing the third in the 38th minute before adding a second in the 67th minute to extend the lead, while FAR Rabat managed a consolation goal through Abdelfattah Hadraf, who fired in a left-footed finish in the final minute of the first half.

Head coach Krunoslav Jurcic deployed an attacking lineup that saw Mostafa Fathy, Ibrahim Adel, and Fiston Mayele leading the line, with Blati Toure and Ramadan Sobhi providing support from midfield.

The Sky Blues relentlessly pressed forward, aiming for a comfortable lead heading into the return leg.

Moments after kickoff, forward Mostafa Fathy capitalized on a defensive error by Larbi Naji, intercepting the ball and delivering a precise cross to set up Mayele, who slotted the ball home with a close-range right-footed shot.

Ten minutes later, Mayele doubled the lead following a brilliant assist from Adel, who had brilliantly supplied from the right flank.

Despite relying on a well-organized defense, FAR Rabat’s counterattacks were thwarted by a lack of composure in the final third.

In the 38th minute, Ibrahim Adel received a well-placed cross from Ramadan Sobhi on the left side and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot into the center of the net, bringing the score to 3-0.

However, the Moroccan side pulled a goal back just before halftime when Hadraf connected with Youssef El-Fahli’s cross, sending a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner, ending the first half at 3-1.

In the second half, Pyramids FC continued their relentless pursuit of goals, leading to a fourth from star winger Ibrahim Adel.

The 23-year-old Egyptian international collected a well-placed cross from Ivorian midfielder Blati Toure on the left flank and buried a close-range right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

FAR Rabat attempted to reduce the deficit but failed to make an impact as Pyramids FC maintained control of the game.

The return leg is scheduled for 8 April at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with the winner advancing to face either MC Alger or Orlando Pirates in the semifinals.