Pyramids FC Clinches Afro-Asia-Pacific Cup Title with 3-1 Win Over Al Ahli Saudi FC

Fiston Mayele’s hat-trick led Pyramids FC to a convincing 3-1 victory over Al Ahli Saudi FC in the Afro-Asia-Pacific Cup final, held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Mayele’s clinical finishes and clever movement proved too much for Al Ahli’s defense, despite Ivan Toney’s penalty equalizer before halftime.

Mayele’s hat-trick was the highlight of the match, with the Congolese striker scoring a superb goal in the 21st minute, curling a precise shot beyond Edouard Mendy to give Pyramids the lead. He then restored the visitors’ lead on 71 minutes with a clinical finish from a counterattack, before sealing his hat-trick four minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.

Despite boasting talents like Toney, Franck Kessié, Riyad Mahrez, and Mendy, Al Ahli struggled to contain Mayele and Pyramids FC’s attack. The 3-1 defeat serves as a sobering reminder of the standards required on the global stage, despite their recent success in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The victory hands Pyramids FC the intercontinental crown and progression in the Club Confederations Cup, setting up a Challenge Cup clash against the winner of Cruz Azul and South America’s representative. Pyramids FC will face the winner on December 13, with the winner advancing to the grand final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The win is a testament to Pyramids FC’s growing strength in African football, and they will be looking to make a deep run in the Club Confederations Cup. For Al Ahli, the defeat is a wake-up call to reassess their strategy and prepare for future challenges.