Pyramids FC maul Sagrada 5-1 in CAF CL group D opener

Egyptian side Pyramids FC kicked off their CAF Champions League group stage in style, thrashing Sagrada Esperança 5-1 in the opening round of Group D on Tuesday.

International winger Ibrahim Adel played a pivotal role in the win, scoring twice in the 17 th and 73 rd minutes. He also provided an assist for fullback Mohamed Hamdi who added his side’s third goal, five minutes after the break.

Congolese striker Fiston Mayele made it 4-0 in the 77 th minute, while midfielder Ahmed Atef completed the rout, one minute from time.

The Egyptian side, competing in the prestigious continental tournament for only the second time in their history, started the match on the front foot.

They pushed forward from the opening whistle in search of an early goal, but Sagrada’s defense held firm.

Mayele came close to breaking the deadlock in the 3rd minute with a long-range effort that hit the woodwork. However, it was Adel who eventually found the breakthrough in the 17th minute.

After a corner kick from Mohamed Chibi, Adel rose high to meet the ball with a brilliant header, sending it into the center of the goal.

Pyramids FC continued to dominate possession and create chances throughout the first half, but they were unable to add to their lead before the break.

The Egyptian side wasted no time in the second half, doubling their advantage just five minutes after the restart.

Hamdi converted an inch-perfect cross from Adel with a powerful left-footed shot from the left side of the box into the top left corner.

Despite further pressure, Pyramids struggled with their finishing, until Adel netted his second of the night in the 73rd minute.

The winger connected with Mohanad Lasheen’s cross to fire a right-footed shot into the top right corner, giving Pyramids a 3-0 lead.

Adel’s goal was his eighth in African competitions for Pyramids FC, having scored five in the Confederation Cup and three in the CAF Champions League.

Four minutes later, Mayele made it 4-0, converting a cross from Ramadan Sobhi with a right-footed shot from close range into the center of the goal.

In the 89th minute, defender Ahmed Atef capped off the scoring for Pyramids FC, finishing off a fast break led by Sobhi.

Sagrada did manage a late consolation goal in the second minute of injury time, as Januário da Cruz Sesa found the net for the Angolan side.

Pyramids FC will next face Mali’s Djoliba on 8th December, while Sagrada will host Tunisia’s Esperance two days earlier.