FIFA Challenger Cup: Pyramids FC Carry Africa’s Hopes Into Historic Clash With Saudi’s Al Ahli

Pyramids FC will fly the African flag on Tuesday night when they take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in the inaugural FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

The one-off tie, scheduled for King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, offers the Egyptian champions a route to December’s FIFA Challenger Cup and a chance to showcase African football on a global stage.

Pyramids’ rise to the top of the continent, capped by their CAF Champions League triumph last season, made them only the fourth Egyptian club in history to conquer Africa’s elite competition.

Now, they step into uncharted territory to compete in a FIFA-organised club tournament.

Head coach Krunoslav Jurcic’s men arrive in form and with belief after brushing aside Auckland City 3–0 in the play-off before edging ZED 1–0 in the Egyptian Premier League to maintain momentum.

Their opponents, Al Ahli, who are Saudi champions, have not lost in three league outings, most recently drawing 3–3 with Al Hilal.

Led by Matthias Jaissle, they boast a squad rich in international quality, including Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, Edouard Mendy, and Merih Demiral.

Pyramids’ CEO Mahmoud Eid has called the match a “historic chance” for the club and for Africa, stressing the desire to prove the continent’s strength against Asia’s best.

With continental pride and a FIFA Challenger Cup spot on the line, the match is vital for Africa to measure its progress against some of the game’s biggest names on a global platform.