Pyramids FC Storm Into CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals as Rivers United Crash Out

Egypt’s Pyramids FC booked their place in the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League with an emphatic 4–1 comeback victory over Nigeria’s Rivers United in a Group C clash on Sunday.

The result confirmed Pyramids FC’s progression to the quarter-finals with a game to spare, while simultaneously ending Rivers United’s hopes of advancing after a disappointing group campaign. It marked the Nigerian champions’ fourth defeat in the group, notably their third loss on home soil.

Rivers United had given their fans reason to hope when Stephen Manyo fired them into a surprise lead in the 33rd minute, lifting the atmosphere inside the stadium heading into the break.

However, those hopes were swiftly dashed after halftime as Pyramids FC emerged with renewed intensity and completely turned the match around with four unanswered goals.

Mostafa Fathy drew the visitors level in the 52nd minute before Marwan Hamdy converted from the penalty spot in the 77th minute to give the Egyptian side the lead. The collapse continued late on, with Jordanian forward Odeh Fakhoury extending the advantage two minutes into regulation time, before Nasser Maher sealed the rout in added time.

The second-half onslaught laid bare Rivers United’s defensive frailties, as they struggled to contain Pyramids FC’s pace, movement and clinical finishing as the game wore on.

The emphatic victory lifted Pyramids FC beyond reach in Group C, mathematically securing their place in the last eight. For Rivers United, the defeat confirmed an early exit and compounded what has been a frustrating continental outing, defined by missed chances and costly lapses at the back.

With qualification assured, Pyramids FC can now turn their focus to the business end of Africa’s premier club competition with growing confidence.

Elsewhere in Group C, Zambia’s Power Dynamos reignited their qualification hopes with a 2–0 win over Morocco’s RS Berkane, moving level on seven points. A victory against Pyramids FC in their final group game could see them snatch the second qualification spot, provided Rivers United defeat Berkane away from home.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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