AS FAR Stuns Holders Pyramids FC to Reach CAF CL Semis
Moroccan giants AS FAR pulled off a massive continental upset this Saturday, defeating now, outgoing CAF champions League champions Pyramids FC 2-1 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. The result sees the Egyptian side exit the CAF Champions League 3-2 on aggregate, ending their quest for a back-to-back title run. For the Moroccans, it was a dish best served cold, securing sweet revenge against the team that eliminated them from the competition just one year ago.
The Match Breakdown
The contest ignited early when AS FAR silenced the Cairo crowd in the ninth minute. Exploiting a momentary lapse in the Pyramids’ midfield, Youssef El Fahli threaded a sharp pass to Reda Slim, who fired a low strike into the bottom corner to give the visitors a vital away-goal advantage. Pyramids responded with waves of attacks, dominated by the creative play of Ibrahim Adel, but they were left frustrated when a controversial VAR review for a potential penalty was ultimately dismissed by the referee.
The uphill battle for the holders became a mountain in the 55th minute. Reda Slim turned provider, delivering a pinpoint corner that found the rising Mohamed Rabie Hrimat; the captain’s powerful header left Ahmed El Shenawy with no chance, doubling the Moroccan lead. While star striker Fiston Mayele sparked a glimmer of hope for Pyramids by sliding home a close-range finish in the 62nd minute, the Military Club retreated into a disciplined defensive shell. Despite a frantic final ten minutes of Egyptian attacks, AS FAR held firm to dethrone the champions.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for AS FAR on the night, pushing them through with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. The star of the show was undoubtedly Reda Slim, whose goal and assist provided the clinical edge the Moroccans needed to overcome the favorites. This result marks the first time Pyramids FC has failed to reach the semi-finals in three years, while AS FAR continues their march toward a trophy they haven’t lifted since 1985.
