CAF CL: Fagrie Lakay the hero as Pyramids narrowly edge Mazembe

Egypt’s Pyramids FC kickstarted the first round of the CAF Champions League group stage with a 1-0 hard-fought win over DR Congo’s TP Mazembe at Cairo’s Air Defence Stadium on Friday.

Pyramids’ win came despite squandering several scoring opportunities.

Fagrie Lakay, the South African striker for Pyramids FC, proved to be the match-winner as he found the back of the net in the 54th minute.

The first half was largely dominated by Pyramids FC, who created numerous chances but struggled to convert them into goals. Despite their early attacking intent, the forwards lacked the necessary focus to capitalize on the first goal they scored.

In the 8th minute, Lakay attempted a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it sailed over the crossbar, followed by another missed opportunity in the 22nd minute.

Just before halftime, Fiston Mayele unleashed a right-footed shot from the centre of the box, but Mazembe’s goalkeeper, Aliou Faty, made a crucial save.

The second half saw Pyramids FC maintain control of the game, and their persistence paid off in the 54th minute. Lakay received a pass from Mayele and struck a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box, finding the bottom right corner of the net.

Despite their lead, the debutants in the Champions League continued to press forward in search of more goals. However, their forwards struggled to find their finishing touch, wasting opportunities in front of the goal.

With this victory, Pyramids FC now sit at the top of Group A, which also features TP Mazembe, title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns, and the lesser-fancied FC Nouadhibou Mauritania.